UK govt to evacuate citizens from Nigeria

 

The British High Commission in Nigeria Tuesday said it will commence the airlifting of Britons in Nigeria, who wish to return to the UK amid the coronavirus pandemic on April 18.

Flights are expected to depart Lagos and Abuja, currently under lockdown.

“Our first flights are expected to leave both Lagos and Abuja on Saturday 18 April with a further flight from Lagos on 20 April,” the British Mission said in a statement.

“You will not be able to pick your departure date – the online booking process will generate it automatically.”

The mission further stated that vulnerable people including those with underlying health conditions and those who are visitors to Nigeria would be prioritised.

It also stated that those who would want to be evacuated will be required to pay for their flight tickets.

“Anyone flying back to the UK on an HMG chartered flight will need to pay for their own ticket,” the mission said.

READ: US evacuates citizens from Nigeria

It said more flights will follow, depending on demand and noted that to be eligible for a flight intending traveller will have the UK as primary residence.

“We are coordinating with the Federal and State government to help ensure that those of you who are outside of Abuja and Lagos can get to the airports despite the lockdown,” the mission said.

Other countries like France, Germany and the United States of America have evacuated their citizen from Nigeria since the country recorded her first case of coronavirus in February.