The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, has explained why the United Kingdom (UK) added Nigeria to the travel red list amid concerns over the Omicron variant.

Laing said the UK took the decision to protect the public health of its people while the government tries to understand the new variant.

Despite the travel ban, the British envoy explained that the government would work closely with the Nigerian authorities as the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic.

She noted that the decision will be reviewed at the three-week review point on December 20.

“This decision is a precautionary measure to protect public health in the UK, whilst we try to understand this new variant.

“I know that this decision will have a significant impact on people in both our countries, particularly at this time of the year.

“We continue to work very closely with the Nigerian authorities in tackling the pandemic and commend their ongoing work,” the envoy was quoted as saying in a statement issued by Ndidiamaka Eze, Press and Public Affairs Officer, British High Commission.

The red list which comes to effect on December 6 means that Nigerians who do not have UK citizenship or residence permit can no longer travel to the country until the advisory is revised.

The Nigerian government has faulted the decision by the UK government, describing it as unjust and discriminatory.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, who spoke during a press conference on Monday called on the UK government to rescind its decision immediately.

Also, the two chambers of the National Assembly on Tuesday urged the UK authorities to rescind its decision.