With flights set to resume, Nigeria has barred aides of politicians and other prominent personalities from airport terminals unless they are travelling, local media report.

Aviation minister Hadi Sirika says the move is part of measures to contain the spread of coronavirus by reducing the number of people at the airports.

He said only travellers will be allowed inside the airports.

“Henceforth, all VIPs will no longer be permitted to bring non-travelling aides into the Airport Terminals. This especially applies to Governors, Ministers, NASS members, Judiciary and Military officers,” he said.

“So, any VIP coming into the Airport this time around as a Personality, a Minister, or even our Hon. Members, Distinguished Senators, will not be carrying their Aides into the Airports anymore.“ @hadisirika stated at the interactive session with Senate Committee on Aviation. pic.twitter.com/nqT82gNMZC

— Federal Ministry of Aviation, Nigeria (@fmaviationng) July 3, 2020

Domestic flights from airports in the main cities Abuja and Lagos are set to resume from 8 July, with other airports following later.