Airfares reviews as flight operations, interstate movements resume –PTF tips

  • Extends second phase of eased lockdown by four weeks
  • Approves resumption of graduating students

The federal government on Monday approved the proposal by the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 to lift interstate movement effective from July 1, 2020.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation/Chairman Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha and PTF National Coordinator, Dr. Sani Aliyu disclosed this during the daily media briefing on the fight against the contagion.

As part of the approved proposal, the Federal Government also lifted the ban on local flight operations and indicated that domestic operations would open as soon as practicable with fare increment imminent.

Preventive measures approved by the government include; observing social distance, wearing of a face mask, washing hands, sanitizing them, and temperature taken checks.

“There is going to be a maintenance of social distancing, a bit of it inside the aircraft. If an aircraft has a capacity of 150 people, they might now be restricted to about 100 or 75. Flying comes with several components. Aviation fuel is one. Salaries for pilots and cabin crew is another. Every time you see a plane take off, there are attendant costs. Who will bear the cost? It will be shared. The passengers will take part of it while the business owners take the other part.

“Profit is the motivation when going into a business. Flying is not a social service. They will find a way of recouping their money. We must be prepared for this cost”, he said.

Aliyu however stated that the aviation industry would benefit from a N2.3 trillion bailout package, adding that passengers must arrive the airport three hours before flight to observe health protocols put in place by the airport authority.

“As part of the intervention, government, either through the Central Bank of Nigeria or the stimulus package in the economic sustainability plan has N2.3 trillion. I believe that the aviation industry would have a part of that. The minister for aviation would be in a better position to explain how that would be administered”, PTF National Coordinator stated.

PTF also approved schools to reopen for graduating students in Primary 6, JS3 and SS3 to resume and prepare for examinations.

“All day care and primary schools are to remain closed till further evaluation. Schools should continue with e-learning and virtual teaching. But pupils should proceed to take the National Common Entrance Examination as soon as it is feasible, provided there is compliance with non-pharmaceutical guidelines.

“For secondary and tertiary institutions, all schools are to remain closed till further evaluation. Arrangements are to be made for exiting graduating students in Primary 6, JS3 and SS3 to resume at both day and boarding schools as soon as possible for intensive revision exercises.

“All educational establishments must conduct exhaustive reviews to ensure compliance with the COVID-19 guidelines before they open. Arrangements will be made for students taking WAEC, NECO and NABTEB exams, and all schools must comply with the six recommended steps and required measures to be issued by the Federal Ministry of Education before an institution is reopened in the timeline to be provided”, Aliyu said.

On interstate movements, Aliyu said that only fifty percent of the passengers of the buses are allowed during travels with compulsory use of face mask.

The PTF which also extended the second phase of eased lockdown by four weeks, however, reaffirmed the continuation of the nationwide curfew between 10pm and 4am remains in force.

Preventive measures for road movements include;

*All Motor Parks must enforce Social Distancing.

*No use of Air Conditional inside bus.

*All window glasses must be open while traveling.

*All Graduating Classes in schools to resume studies.

Other Conditions includes frequent washing of hands and avoiding large gathering.

Published By: Admin

Hon. CARL UMEGBORO is a legal practitioner (Barrister & Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and human rights activist. As an advocate of conflict resolution through ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution), he has acquired intensive training and has been inducted into The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (United Kingdom) as an Associate. He is a prolific writer and public affairs analyst. Prior to his call to Bar as a lawyer, he has been a veteran journalist and columnist in all national newspapers, and has over 250 published articles in various newspapers to his credit. Barrister Umegboro is also a regular guest-analyst to many TV and radio programme on crucial national issues. He can be reached through: (+234) 08023184542, (+234) 08173184542 OR Email: umegborocarl@gmail.com

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