Nigerians in Diaspora Commission NIDCOM has revealed that a significant number of Nigerians residing in the United Kingdom, United States, China, and West Africa have been registering with Nigerian missions for evacuation to Nigeria due to the global Coronavirus pandemic.
Last week, the Federal government announced a directive to all Nigerian Embassies to compile the names of Nigerians willing to be evacuated to Nigeria. As per the directive, those being evacuated must cover their flight expenses and commit to a 14-day mandatory isolation upon arrival in Nigeria.
In an interview with Punch, NIDCOM’s spokesperson, Abdul-Rahman Balogun, explained that many Nigerians have been inquiring about the evacuation process.
“Nigerians are responding overwhelmingly from China, UK, US and also from West Africa. We can’t quote a figure because the registration is still ongoing. A lot of people have been sending emails to us. The response has been overwhelming. Some said they were ready to be quarantined on their return to the country; they are ready to pay for the evacuation. Some also have their air tickets but they could not come before the lockdown order was implemented.” he said
The Nigerian Embassy in the US sent out a letter on Sunday, April 5, informing all Nigerians residing in the US that it had started compiling names of individuals willing to return home. See a copy of the letter below
