The Presidency has stated that there is no basis for moves by the Saudi authorities to bar Nigerian pilgrims from this year’s Umrah and Hajj, following the nationwide outbreak of Lassa fever in Nigeria.

Health minister, Professor Isaac Adewole, said this at a meeting of the secretary of the government of the federation with Hajj stakeholders on the Saudi’s threat.

Nigeria, according to Adewole, did not pose a global threat to any country with Lassa Fever.

The minister said Nigeria will ensure that all intending pilgrims are thoroughly screened, to ensure they are not infected by the disease, before being airlifted to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj exercise.

Besides, the minister explained that Nigeria is on the verge of being declared free of Lassa Fever virus, as the country has not recorded any new case in the last one week.