Connect with us

Metro

Like Namibia, others, Nigeria lifts compulsory PCR tests for fully vaccinated travellers

Published

on

Nigeria has joined other African countries that have lifted Covid-19 compulsory tests for fully vaccinated inbound travellers, the Federal Government said on Monday.

The government of Nigeria says travellers are no longer required to take a pre-departure PCR COVID-19 test but would be subjected to a rapid antigen test at the airport by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) within the arrival hall of the airport free of charge.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19, Mr. Boss Mustapha made the  disclosure at a National briefing of the Committee in Abuja.

He said, “The PSC has reviewed these situations around the world and applies such to the situation in Nigeria and have revised the International Travel Protocols, which should come into effect on Monday, 4th April, 2022 as follows.”

“Inbound (fully vaccinated) passengers arriving in Nigeria will no longer be required to take a pre-departure PCR COVID-19 Test.”

“On arrival, for fully vaccinated passengers, a sample will be taken at the airport for rapid antigen test by the NCDC within the arrival hall of the airport.”

Other African countries in recent weeks also announced major developments regarding situations surrounding Covid-19. Earlier this month, slamreportafrica.com reported that major cities in Morrocco are now rated green.  Last week, we also reported a presidential declaration in Namibia that wearing protective face masks in public and negative PCR tests for vaccinated visitors are no longer required.

In South Africa however, the country with the most Covid-19 cases and casualties in Africa with over 3.5 million confirmed cases have, Universities have announced that unvaccinated students and staff can only access online learning.

Back to Nigeria, passengers who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, according to Mr. Mustapha “shall take a COVID-19 PCR test 48 hours before departure, or do a Day 2 and day 7 test on arrival. Such passengers will be expected to pay for their PCR tests through the travel platform”

“Fully vaccinated passengers will not be charged for arrival rapid antigen tests at the airport”

“Rules that apply to fully vaccinated adults also apply to children aged 10 – 18 years; they will not be required to have pre-arrival PCR tests but will have a sample taken at the arrival hall but not charged”

According to Reuters, Nigeria reports 21 new infections on average each day with the highest daily average reported on December 27. There have been 255,103 infections and 3,142corona virus-related deaths reported in the country since the pandemic began.

Metro

Mass burial planned for victims of Zambian mine tragedy

Published

on

The Zambian government has scheduled Monday, December 11 for a mass burial for nine miners who were retrieved from the Seseli Copper Mine which collapsed on December 1 in Chingola, northwest of Lusaka, where over 35 miners were trapped.

Copperbelt Minister, Elias Matambo, who announced the plans during a media briefing in Chingola on Sunday, said President Hakainde Hichilema would attend the mass burial.

Matambo also stated that the number of miners retrieved in the rescue mission had reached 12, with only one retrieved alive. He said two had been buried in the last two days, and nine more bodies were lying in the hospital mortuary.

“In the last 24 hours, we have retrieved five bodies making the total number of miners retrieved to 12. We buried two, we are remaining with nine who we intend to bury in a mass burial where President Hichilema is likely to attend,” Matambo.

Also speaking, Mines and Mineral Development Minister, Paul Kabuswe, said the rescue team would continue working round the clock to retrieve the remaining trapped miners.

The December 1 mine collapse was attributed to a landslide that inundated an open-pit copper mine.

According to the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit, the miners were reportedly engaged in illegal mining at the location without the knowledge of the mine owners.

The mine was previously owned by Vedanta’s Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) but is now in the hands of a local company that has yet to start mining operations as it awaits safety and environmental approvals.

Continue Reading

Metro

Our ‘challenges are not insurmountable’, Tinubu offers hope to Nigerians

Published

on

Despite initial teething problems and the harrowing hardship Nigerians are going through, President Bola Armed Tinubu has restated his commitment and desire to deliver effective leadership and governance to citizens.

Tinubu, who made the vow during the graduation ceremony of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 45 at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) at Kuru in Jos, Plateau State, on Saturday, said as a responsible and responsive leader, his main desire was to ensure that Nigerians got to enjoy the dividends of democracy and good governance.

The president, who was represented by Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali, stated that he had not only heard the cries of Nigerians, but that he had also taken it upon himself to lead in a responsible manner.

“As a responsible or responsive government, it is our burning desire to provide good governance at both national and sub-national level, as encapsulated in our Renewed Hope Agenda,” Tinubu said.

“Though Nigeria is going through several challenges at the moment, the challenges are not insurmountable.

“I, therefore, wish to remind the National Institute that so much has gone into training. These include confidence finance, and effort from the faculty and yourselves.

“Please, do not let the nation down as much as expected from you as you return to serve the nation through your various offices.

“Congratulations for producing excellent and workable recommendations. The government buys into your mission towards a better society as is ever willing or ready to support you in achieving it for our nation and people.

“I use this special moment to urge you to continue in this trend, as our government is ready to give you all the necessary support to achieve on your mandate.

“I applaud you on your efforts at engaging the best brands to provide workable solutions to critical national issues, which have been useful in resolving several national issues, even in the face of limited resources,” he added.

Continue Reading

EDITOR’S PICK

Metro49 mins ago

Mass burial planned for victims of Zambian mine tragedy

The Zambian government has scheduled Monday, December 11 for a mass burial for nine miners who were retrieved from the...

VenturesNow2 hours ago

Nigeria not earning enough for its developmental needs— IMF

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has stated that Nigeria is not earning enough revenue to support its developmental needs. Nigeria’s...

Politics17 hours ago

Zambian govt says no plan to remove Christian nation clause from constitution

Zambian Vice President Mutale Nalumango has maintained that the ruling party, the United Party for National Development (UPND), has adopted...

Strictly Personal18 hours ago

Zambia’s Fiscal Dilemma, State Compensation Ethics and Treasury Stability, By Misheck Kakonde

The recent judgments overseen by the Attorney General in compensating individuals like Hon. Mwaliteta, Hon. Frank Tayali, Mr. William Banda,...

Politics18 hours ago

Uganda begins withdrawal of troops from eastern Congo DR

Uganda has started the withdrawal of 1,000 troops deployed for a regional peacekeeping mission in the Eastern Democratic Republic of...

Behind the News19 hours ago

Behind the News: All the backstories to our major news this week

Over the past week, there were lots of important stories from around the African continent, and we served you some...

VenturesNow19 hours ago

Somalia secures $4.5bn debt relief from lenders

After a decade-long process of negotiations and reforms with creditors, Somalia has finally secured a $4.5 billion debt write-off from...

Metro19 hours ago

President Hichilema warns Zambian procurement officials against corruption in handling govt contracts

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has warned procurement officers handling government contracts against engaging in corrupt practices while carrying out their...

VenturesNow1 day ago

IMF advises Nigeria’s central bank to raise Monetary Policy Rate

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Nigeria’s central bank (CBN) to further hike Monetary Policy Rate (MPR). The IMF...

Metro1 day ago

Nigeria’s VP Shettima admits hardship, poverty, pleads for patience

Vice President Kashim Shettima of Nigeria has become the first official in the President Bola Tinubu’s administration to admit that...

Trending