By Sodiq Yusuf
The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf
Aregbesola has restated the decision of the
Federal Government to maintain its closure of borders as part of measures to curb the spread of the novel Coronavirus.
Aregbesola, while fielding questions from journalists at the Daily Press Briefing of the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 on Wednesday said the government would only allow the evacuation of foreign nationals and citizens in the country by their home countries.
The Minister also noted that the waivers of conditions pertaining to visas, temporary work permit, residency permit and other necessary permits for those affected by the border closure as announced by the Nigerian Immigration Service were still valid.
The former governor of Osun explained that the PTF on COVID-19, in conjunction with relevant security agencies is leaving no stone unturned in securing Nigerians at home.
He maintained that while the citizens of the country who wish to return home are permitted in line with international treaties, they would be subjected to isolation for 14 days as prescribed by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control before being allowed to see their families.
Aregbesola said: “Two weeks ago, the Nigerian Immigration Service made an announcement to Nigerians because of the lockdown and the shutdown of all international entry points to Nigeria particularly the airports. We have waived all conditions pertaining to visas, temporary work permit, residency permit and other necessary quota for those affected till the end of the lockdown, and when the international airports are opened except for citizens whose nations are arranging evacuation which is allowed and permitted.”
