This archive report was first published on 18 May 2020.
On Sunday, May 17, 2020, Nigeria took a firm stance against the spread of Covid-19 by impounding a UK plane that had been operating commercial flights in the country.
The aircraft, belonging to Flair Aviation, a UK-based company, had been granted approval for humanitarian operations but was found to be carrying passengers in contravention of the regulations put in place to control the spread of the virus.
Nigerian Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika stated in Abuja that the company had been warned about the consequences of its actions, saying, "This is callous! The craft is impounded, crew being interrogated. There shall be maximum penalty. Wrong time to try our resolve."
The UK company's actions were particularly egregious given the existing travel ban in place, which had been implemented in late March to prevent the further spread of coronavirus.
Although some restrictions have been eased, all international flights remain suspended, and inter-state travel has been restricted, with a curfew in place from 8pm to 6am daily.
President Muhammadu Buhari has also taken a firm stance against the administration of herbal drugs and other untested remedies, stating, "We have our institutions, systems and processes in the country. Any such formulations should be sent to them for verification...I will not put it to use without the endorsement of our institutions."
