Nigeria to evacuate 270 citizens from US

Nigerian government has said it will begin the evacuation of about 270 Nigerians willing to return to the country from the United States.

This is coming amidst the coronavirus pandemic that has caused many countries to shut down airports. Nigeria has seen shut its airport sin late March to curb the spread of the ravaging virus.

The Consulate General of Nigeria in New York in a statement said 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 added that evacuation would on travellers’ expense while they all 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 bank on Monday next week.

It said over 700 citizens have registered with the Nigerian Missions in the US but only 270 people could be accommodated, adding that applications to be evacuated would be considered on a ‘first-come, first-served basis.

It said those who have proofs of short-stay visas, the elderly, families with children, and returning students would also be given special attention.