Saturday, July 11, 2026

Nigeria suspends Emirates over COVID-19 violations

The presidential task force also said Emirates would be fined over the alleged violations.

• February 5, 2021
Fly Emirate plane used to illustrate the story. [PHOTO CREDIT: Emirate Web Page]
Fly Emirate plane used to illustrate the story. [PHOTO CREDIT: Emirate Web Page]

The Nigerian government has suspended flying permission of Emirates from the country, a circular from airspace regulator NCAA said on Friday.

The NCAA said the Emirati carrier has been airlifting Nigerians from Lagos and Abuja based on a rapid antigen test that was being conducted by unauthorised laboratories. 

The NCAA said the presidential task force on curbing coronavirus raised concerns about Emirates’ controversial practices, but the airlines failed to yield in time to avoid suspension of its right to fly. The suspension would be for 72 hours in the first instance, starting late Thursday.

The presidential task force also said Emirates would be fined over the alleged violations.

A spokesman for Emirates did not immediately return a request seeking comments from Peoples Gazette. 

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo

Politics

Gov. Okpebholo lauds voter turnout in Edo LG poll

Mr Okpebholo urged residents to continue to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the voting process and to await the official declaration of the results.

Flooding in Lekki

States

Ibeju-Lekki residents beg Lagos govt for urgent intervention over devastating flooding

The residents said constant rainfall had triggered devastating flooding in the area.

Released Oyo hostages

States

Obasa, PDP women leader hail rescue of Oyo pupils, teachers

Mr Obasa and Ms Ogunshe lauded the rescue of the 44 pupils and teachers in separate statements on Saturday.

Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV)

States

Taraba govt. urged to establish sexual assault response centres

The stakeholders expressed concern over the rising cases of sexual and gender-based violence in the state.

Election

States

Edo LG Polls: APC leaders hail turnout, peaceful process

Mr Edusei described the voter participation as encouraging, saying it surpassed what he had witnessed in previous elections.

Motorist

States

Edo LG Poll: Motorists, commuters disregard movement restriction in Benin City 

Vehicular and commercial activities were observed around major areas including Ring Road, Airport Road, and the New Benin axis.