By Francis Ogwo
Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, has revealed that plans for the repatriation of Nigerians abroad have been concluded and the process will begin on Wednesday, 6th of May.
The Minister disclosed this while giving a speech on the evacuation plans at a briefing by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 in Abuja on Monday.
According to Onyeama, an Emirates flight coming from Dubai which was previously scheduled for Monday would be expected on Wednesday, with a British Airways flight also arriving with Nigerians on Friday.
The Minister stated that the Nigerian mission in the United States was also working hard to secure a flight and also making efforts to support them financially.
“We know also the financial challenges that a lot of our compatriots are facing and so, the government, with the kind support of the PTF, is engaging with National Emergency Management Agency to see to what extent the government can also subsidise and make the financial burden that these evacuees have to face, to make it as light as possible.
“So, we are working overtime and trying to source funds from wherever we can find it to support these compatriots.” He said.
Onyema had earlier revealed that returnees are to cater for their flight tickets and hotel accommodations and would be quarantined in Abuja and Lagos.
Speaking further, Onyeama said that it has been difficult getting aircraft to bring Nigerians in foreign countries back while announcing that the repatriation of those in China, India and France is to commence in two weeks.
Recall that earlier in April, the Federal Government revealed that evacuation of Nigerians abroad only applies to those who test negative to COVID-19.
This was contained in a form titled “COVID-19 Application Form for Nigerians who want to return home” found in the website of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM ).
Details in the form stipulates that whoever intends to return “must get tested for the virus in your country of residence and be issued an authorised health clearance certificate attesting that you are COVID-19 free”.
“This certificate must be presented and authenticated by officials at the airport in your country of departure before you are allowed to board the aircraft,” it said.
“On landing, you will also be on compulsory quarantine for 14 days on arrival in Nigeria, at an NCDC approved location.”
This also came with an initial announcement from Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the NIDCOM chairman that the repatriates will bear the financial burdens.
