The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has relaxed its rules to allow travellers arrive Nigeria before paying for COVID-19 test.

By the new review, international airlines have been granted the permission to board passengers who may be unable to pay for the mandatory Day-7 COVID-19 PCR test or generate a paid QR code.

NCAA Director-General, Captain Nuhu Musa, in a circular dated September 11, said that passengers without proof of PCR test can now pay for the test after arriving at their destination airport in Nigeria.

International airlines have also been advised to notify their passengers of the new development.

The circular states: “Airlines are hereby permitted to board any traveller to Nigeria who is unable to either pay for the repeat Day-7 COVID PCR test or generate the paid QR code/permit to fly. Such passengers will be required to make payment for the repeat Day-7 COVID-19 PCR test at their destination airport in Nigeria.

“Holders of diplomatic passports and children aged 10 years and below who are unable to complete the NITP are to be allowed to board the flight.

Their health declaration and travel history will be captured by the Port Health Services (PHS) at the destination airport.”

This measure is expected to ease the difficulty experienced by international travellers whose PCR codes are not immediately generated after paying statutory fees.

Many Nigerians living in diaspora have lamented the gross incompetence of NCAA officials who lack technical resources to ensure passengers meet travel requirements. 

Some of these Nigerians have been left stranded at the ports of departure for not having QR codes which ought to be generated after payment of statutory fees.