Reps lock horns over flights restriction into Nigeria

Members of the House of Representatives have locked horns whether to restrict flights into Nigeria over the outbreak of the novel coronavirus.

The house was in a steamy session yesterday when Rep. Muktar Chawai moved a motion for the Nigerian Government to restrict flights into Nigeria and set up inspection enters due to the scourge of the virus. It was seconded by Rep. Abass Adekunle.

In leading the debate, Rep. Chawai stated that despite the World Health Organization declaration of COVID19 as a global pandemic, there was no travel ban in place to check the influx of people who may carry the virus.

Speaker of Nigeria's House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila interjected to call the attention of the House to the travel ban imposed on 13 countries, they include: China, Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Japan, France, Germany, Norway, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Netherlands & Switzerland.

Notwithstanding, Rep. Ndudi Elumelu proposed an amendment to urge the Federal Government to ban all airlines entering the country unless they meet safety standards and are certified.

He also called on the aviation ministry to enforce passport regulation that stops airport touts from loitering.

Rep. Ahmed Idris Wase advocated for the banning of airlines noting that Nigeria is now being used as a transit; he also called on the establishment of quarantine centers to check and treat people coming home.

Gbajabiamila, in a reply to calls for a ban on all airlines, reminded members that banning all airlines from entering the nation would mean Nigerians wishing to come home from schools from abroad might be stranded in their bid to return home.

#HousePlenary @SpeakerGbaja in a reply to calls for a ban on all airlines reminded members that banning all airlines from entering the nation would mean Nigerians wishing to come home from schools from abroad might be stranded in their bid to return home.

— House of Reps NGR (@HouseNGR) March 18, 2020