The first batch of Ukraine-based Nigerians have arrived in Abuja, the federal capital territory (FCT).
The Max Air flight VM602 from Bucharest landed Abuja at about 7:10 AM with the next flight from Hungary currently being expected.
The Chairman, Nigerians In Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, confirmed the development in a tweet this morning.
“To God be the glory Max Air Evacuation flight VM602 from Bucharest touched down in Abuja??#NigeriansInUkraine”.
According to a source, the federal government will give $100 each to the Ukraine returnees upon their arrival.
At the beginning of Russia’s full-scale war on Ukraine, Nigerians were initially told to be responsible for their own safety and security, according to a statement by the Nigerian Embassy in Ukraine.
However, following outrage from Nigerians, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NiDCOM stepped in to begin preparations to provide safety to Nigerians who could find their way to neighbouring countries such as Poland, Hungary, and Romania.
Coordinating with the embassies in those countries, Nigerians escaping the war were allowed safe passage after facing initial difficulty from border control.
The National Assembly also called for the immediate evacuation of Nigerians stranded in Ukraine, prompting the Federal Government to partner with private airlines to begin evacuating them.
On Wednesday, President Muhammadu Buhari approved over $8.5m for the evacuation of over 5,000 Nigerians stranded in Ukraine.
Despite the government’s efforts, many Nigerians, especially students are still stuck in the conflict especially those in the Sumy province which has been reportedly overrun by Russian forces who have cut the power supply after blowing up a major power plant.
