Saudi Arabian authorities have lifted the ban on direct flights from Nigeria into the Kingdom.

Thelagostimes recalls that Saudi had on December 8, 2021 placed a ban on direct flights from Nigeria and 16 other countries due to the emergence of the Omicron variant of the Covid- 19.

South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Malawi, Mauritius, Zambia, Madagascar, Angola, Seychelles, United Republic of Comoros, Ethiopia, and Afghanistan were among the other countries affected.

In addition, the Saudi government has lifted most COVID-19 prohibitions, with the exception of wearing masks in the two holy Mosques of Makka and Medina, as well as other places of worship throughout the kingdom.

The instruction took effect on March 5, 2022, after being issued by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Interior and verified by the Saudi embassy in Nigeria.

The new guideline, on the other hand, requires all new visitors to Saudi Arabia to obtain insurance that covers the price of coronavirus treatment.

Meanwhile, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has lauded the Saudi Arabian authorities for this development.

In a statement signed by its Head, Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Umar, NAHCON stated that intending pilgrims for Umrah from Nigeria and other similarly banned countries are permitted to travel directly into Saudi Arabia so long they fulfil the mandatory vaccines requirement.