The government of Nigeria has said it will soon evacuate 270 Nigerians resident in the United States but willing to return to the country following the COVID 19 pandemic.
This development is coming amidst the pandemic which has forced many countries including Nigeria to shut down airports to curb the spread of the virus which has been ravaging so many countries in the past month.
THE DAILY VENDOR reports that the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York had in a statement revealed that “a one-way flight has been arranged for the evacuation of stranded Nigerians in the US” and would take off on Sunday night.
The statement however added that evacuation cost would be on travelers’ expense, and all are expected to fly on economy class.
The flight, Ethiopian Airlines with a 270-passenger capacity, will depart for Abuja from Newark (EWR) Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, United States, and is expected to arrive at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Monday next week.
The consulate also revealed that over 700 citizens have registered with the Nigerian Missions in the US wanting to be evacuated but only 270 people would be accommodated.
It said that applicants to be evacuated would be considered on a ‘first-come, first-served basis while the list of evacuees would be treated according to their immigration status.
Adding that those who have proofs of short-stay visas, the elderly, families with children, and returning students would also be given special attention.
