The United Arab Emirates has extended its ban on Nigerian flights till March 20.
A statement from the public relations firm for Emirates made available to our correspondent said customers from both Abuja and Lagos would not be accepted for travel prior to or including this date.
The statement said, “In line with government directives, passenger services from Nigeria (Lagos and Abuja) to Dubai are temporarily suspended until 20 March 2021.
“Customers from both Abuja and Lagos will not be accepted for travel prior to or including this date. Passengers who have been to or connected through Nigeria in the last 14 days are not allowed entry into the UAE (whether terminating in or connecting through Dubai).”
The statement however noted that Emirates flights from Dubai to Lagos and Abuja will continue as scheduled.
It restated its commitment to resume passenger services to Dubai when conditions allow.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority had on February 5 barred the carrier from Nigeria, alleging flouting of COVID-19 protocols as well as the introduction of rapid antigen test as a requirement for Dubai travellers against the Nigerian government’s negative PCR requirements.
This has degenerated into a situation with the UAE banning Nigeria flights for several weeks on end.
The proposal led by South Africa and India is intended to support the widespread production of vaccinesImage caption: The proposal led by South Africa and India is intended to support the widespread production of vaccines
Member countries of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) have been unable to agree on a proposal for a waiver from patent and other rules for efforts to combat the pandemic.
The initiative led by South Africa and India is intended to support the widespread production of vaccine treatments and medical equipment for Covid-19.
The WTO members agreed to continue the discussions.
The organisation’s rules require member countries to protect patents and copyright, so that inventors can make a return on their investment.
But the Indian delegation at the WTO told a meeting that the world is not producing enough vaccines despite the existence of several approved ones and unused manufacturing capacity.
The proposal to waive the patent rules is intended to make it easier for some developing countries to produce vaccines themselves.
A number of rich countries, along with Brazil oppose the proposed waiver.
They say patents are important incentives for innovation and they say the rules already have enough flexibility for the current crisis.
The Indian delegate said the waiver was being opposed by the same countries that had hoarded more vaccines than they needed, which was hindering a coordinated global programme. Punch
Pix: United Arab Emirates
