COVID: UK to relax restrictions for travellers from Nigeria

The United Kingdom says, from October 4, there will be relaxed travel restrictions for travellers from Nigeria.

Catriona Laing, British high commissioner to Nigeria, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday.

According to her, from October 4, there will be a single red list of countries and territories where stricter rules apply, and a ‘rest of the world’ list with simplified travel measures.

“The ‘rest of the world’ list will include countries currently on the UK’s amber list, such as Nigeria,” Laing said.

“The UK is committed to opening up international travel and we are using our COVID-19 vaccination certification process to enable those wishing to enter the UK to do so safely.

“We know this matters hugely to many people in the UK and in Nigeria – the extensive people-people ties between our two countries are at the heart of our bilateral relationship.”

Laing added that the United Kingdom approves of the vaccines being administered in Nigeria.

She further encouraged citizens to disregard any statement claiming that COVID vaccines administered in Nigeria are not approved.

“The UK strongly supports the work of the Nigerian health authorities and Nigeria’s vaccination campaign, and strongly encourages all eligible residents in Nigeria to get vaccinated. Only once we are all vaccinated can we end the spread of COVID-19,” she said.

“I would like to emphasise that any statements that COVID-19 vaccines administered in Nigeria are not approved by the UK are completely untrue.

“The UK recognises the Oxford-AstraZeneca, Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccines used in Nigeria, irrespective of where they are manufactured.”