The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, has announced the plans of the Federal Government to help the evacuees get back home amidst the interstate ban.
Mr Onyeama, who spoke at the daily national briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 on Thursday, said the first batch of returnees have completed the compulsory 14 days in isolation.
“I just wanted to give a brief update because we’re coming to the end of the 14-day quarantine period for the first and second batch of evacuees.”
“You recall that the first batch came in from Dubai. The second batch came in from London and came to Abuja.”
“We actually had a fourth batch that came in two days ago from Saudi Arabia Nigerians who have gone for Umurrah and caught there,” he said.
According to the Minister, the evacuees will be given an individual pass by the Nigerian police to enable them passage to their respective homes.
“I spoke to the Inspector General of police today, and he was also very helpful because some of them will have to travel across state lines and that has been a source of concern for them.”
“But the IG of police has directed The commissioners of police in the two cities in which they are located at Abuja and Lagos to receive them individually and give them personalized passes and the phone number that they can reach if they have any problems with any of the borders going home,” he stated.
Mr Onyeama, however, noted the readiness of some Nigerians in China, Sudan, India and other parts of the world, to be evacuated back home.
“You know, of course, there are Nigerian still all over the world crying, to come home, and we’re doing everything we can it’s just not possible.
“We have those in India in China and South Africa in Sudan, you know and others who still want to come from the US other sister want to come from the UK from France turkey all over you know, and it’s just a huge huge challenge.” he disclosed.
He urged them to continue to bear with the ministry and be patient because of the limited facilities and resources.
