US Set To Evacuate Citizens Out Of Nigeria, Plans Emergency Flights

BY CAMI EZENWA

Even if the Corona Virus pandemic gets worse, American citizens in Nigeria are at least assured of being evacuated home, reports show.

This is because the US mission is making plans to evacuate them come what may.

The US Consulate has, in a notice entitled ‘Health Alert: US Mission in Nigeria’ advised American citizens to be in Abuja and Lagos “as soon as possible” to join the arranged flights back to the US.

The arranged flights is coming against the background of suspension of normal international flights to stem further spread of the COVID-19.

And the US mission is urging nationals outside Lagos and Abuja to liaise with local airlines to make alternative travel arrangements.

“At present, there are no scheduled flights to the United States.  However, we are actively exploring options and attempting to secure flights despite global airport closures and travel restrictions.

“We will email US citizens immediately once we have flight details, routes, and costs.

“US citizens who are considering returning to the United States are urged to travel to Abuja or Lagos as soon as possible.

“The Embassy and Consulate are unable to assist with lodging, food, or transportation costs, and some hotels have closed or are closing.

“To disseminate important information and alerts for US Citizens including possible evacuation flights, the State Department uses the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program as its primary messaging system. US Citizens in Nigeria who want to be informed about emergency flights and receive other alerts should enroll in STEP immediately.”

Recall that the United States, being one of the countries hardest hit by the virus has equally taken a number of measures to contain its impact,.

Amongst this is the approval of a $2.2 trillion (N827 trillion) financial stimulus package to cushion the economic impact, which implies that each American could access as much as the equivalent of N441, 000.

The bill cuts across party lines and has already been passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate.