UKRAINE: FG TO BEGIN EVACUATION OF NIGERIANS ON WEDNESDAY – ONYEAMA
The Federal Government has announced plans to begin the evacuation of Nigerians from Ukraine effective today, Wednesday.
This Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, stated this on Monday during a meeting with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Onyeama said the evacuation would be done following the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari using Air Peace and Max Air.
“With Ukraine still at war with Russia and a no-fly zone effective across the country, the evacuation is expected to take place from neighbouring countries”.
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Onyeama added that though talks have commenced between both parties on Monday fighting has continued in Ukrainian cities.
Nigerians have therefore continued to flee Ukraine and have been received in Poland, Hungary and Romania by Nigerian embassies in those countries after Russia invaded the East European nation last week.
According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the evacuation process has however been ongoing since Russia invaded Ukraine last week.
Onyeama stated that "Many Nigerian students in Ukraine have called for help in leaving the conflict hotspot.
"The nation’s embassy in Ukraine initially asked citizens to take responsibility for their own security but have since reversed course.
"On Monday, 130 Nigerians were received by the country’s embassy in Romania with accommodation provided for them, while arrangements to take them back home was in progress".
Furthermore, according to the statement, signed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Gabriel Aduda, “Officials at Budapest, Hungary have received and accommodated 74 Nigerians safely, where they are being documented for subsequent travel arrangements back to Nigeria.
"Another batch of about 200 Nigerians is expected in Budapest later in the day. He also said 52 persons have been received in Warsaw, Poland. Of the number, 23 are being processed at the Polish Government Reception Point at Hala Kijowska.
“The camp is well organised with beds and beddings, food, heating, clothing, and medicals for evacuees,” the statement added.
“We assure Nigerians that all hands are on deck and arrangements are being put in place to effectively evacuate our citizens, in safety and dignity.”
“For now, movement to the Hungarian Zahony border and Romanian Suceava, Tulcea, Satu Mare County & Maramures borders is advised, as they have approved visa-free access to all Nigerians coming from Ukraine and arrangements for accommodation and feeding before evacuation is arranged,” Aduda added.
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