The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing has explained why the United Kingdom (UK) added Nigeria to the travel red list amid concerns over the Omicron variant.
In a statement by the British Deputy High Commission Lagos,
Laing said the UK took the decision in order to protect the public health of
its people while the government tries to understand the new variant.
Despite the travel ban, the British envoy explained that the
government would work closely with the Nigerian authorities as the world
grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic.
She noted that the decision will be reviewed at the three-week review point on December 20.
“This decision is a precautionary measure to protect public
health in the UK, whilst we try to understand this new variant,” the envoy was
quoted as saying in a statement issued by Ndidiamaka Eze, Press and Public
Affairs Officer, British High Commission.
“I know that this decision will have a significant impact on
people in both our countries, particularly at this time of year.
“We continue to work very closely with the Nigerian
authorities in tackling the pandemic and commend their ongoing work.”
The red list which comes to effect on December 6 means that Nigerians who do not have UK citizenship or residence permit can no longer travel to the country until the advisory is revised.
The Nigerian government has faulted the decision of the UK government, describing it as unjust and discriminatory.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, who
spoke during a press conference on Monday called on the UK government to
rescind its decision immediately.
-Tribune