Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari's say it will also stop airlines from those countries coming into Nigeria in retaliation for the three nations banning travels from Nigeria over the new COVID-19 variant.

Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, revealed in an audio recording that the countries who have placed Nigeria on a red list lacked a moral right to have their airlines coming to Nigeria for commercial services.

Sirika said, "There is also a case of Saudi Arabia that put Nigeria on the ban list; Canada. Today, there was a meeting in which I participated from the COVID-19 Task Force.

"We have given our input that it is not acceptable by us and we recommend that those countries – Canada, UK, Saudi Arabia and Argentina – be also put on the red list. 

"So, like they did to us, if they don't allow our citizens into their country; who are they coming as airlines to pick out of our country?

"So, they are not supposed to come in. I am very sure in the next three days; Monday or Tuesday, all those countries will be put on the red list of COVID-19. 

"Once they are on the red list, which means they are banned, their airlines will also be banned. I am so sorry we are going through difficult times, but it is in the interest of our country."

Saudi Arabia, Canada and the UK have suspended flights from Nigeria.

Last Saturday, the UK included Nigeria on their red list meaning that non-British travellers were banned over the new COVID-19 variant.

The British High Commission had also said it would stop issuing visitor visa applications from all red list countries including Nigeria.

The Federal Government has rejected the ban imposed on Nigeria by UK and Canada over Omicron.