CORONAVIRUS: HUNDREDS OF NIGERIANS IN DIASPORA WHO WANT TO COME HOME STRANDED AS FG GIVES CONDITIONS FOR THEIR REPATRIATION

ABIKE DABIRI-EREWA

Reports have it that hundreds of Nigerians in diaspora have indicated their willingness to return home amidst the COVID 19 pandemic ravaging their different countries of residence. 

THENEWSHALL learnt that at least 200 of them have already registered with the Nigerian Embassy in the United States. 

The Federal Government of Nigeria through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has ,however, given some conditions for the repatriations to happen and this is not going down well with some of the intending returnees who are first expected to indicate interest by filling out a  “COVID-19 Application Form for Nigerians who want to return home”. This form can be downloaded from the commission's website.

One of the conditions for evacuation expressly stated in the form is that Nigerian nationals willing to join the evacuation flights planned by the Federal Government must be tested for coronavirus and certified negative.

“You MUST get tested for the Virus in your country of residence and be issued an Authorised Health Clearance Certificate attesting that you are COVID-19 free. This Certificate MUST be presented and authenticated by officials at the Airport in your country of departure before you are allowed to board the Aircraft,” part of the requirements read.

Another requirement was that the cost of travel would be paid by the potential evacuees and upon landing, they would be placed on a 14-day compulsory quarantine at a location approved by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

Confirming this development, NIDCOM Chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said the coronavirus test requirement is based on the NCDC protocol and must be adhered to.

Dabiri-Erewa made this known via Twitter while addressing concerns from some Nigerians abroad.

“Dear Madam, we have been instructed to go for a COVID-19 test before we can be considered for evacuation from the United States. This is both sad and shocking to us considering that we are visitors in the US with no access to any health and social care benefits,” a user, Adeolu Anthony Olagunju, had informed the NIDCOM chairman.

Responding, Dabiri-Erewa said, “Beyond NIDCOM power. It is an NCDC protocol based on very cogent reasons, I am sure. We will continue to engage with them. If anything changes, our embassy will inform you. Scary times but the Lord will heal the world as we do look forward to welcoming you home soon.”

In another case made available to THENEWSHALL an anonymous intending returnee from the United Kingdom said (in his/her own words):

" UK evacuation is different we are told to do covid19 test for  £350 before they can take us which is expensive. We can't afford it. We don't mind doing the test if it is free. The Nigeria embassy in UK is making it difficult for the evacuation"