The first batch of Nigerians evacuated from the United Kingdom (UK) has arrived Lagos about 13:45 pm at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, on Friday, May 8, via British Airways 9155. The Nigerians were stranded in the United Kingdom following the COVID-19 lockdown have arrived in Lagos.
The returning Nigerians will be moved to Abuja, where they will undergo the stipulated 14 days quarantined before being allowed to leave for their destinations. The process is necessary to ensure the coronavirus-status of every returnee is ascertained.
Confirming the development, the Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri, said the first set of Nigerians evacuated from the UK has landed in Lagos. She added that "the passengers will be proceeding to Abuja where they will be on 14-day compulsory isolation”.
This is coming days after the Federal Government successfully evacuated the first batch of Nigerians stranded abroad amid the coronavirus pandemic. On Wednesday, May 6, 256 Nigerians arrived in Lagos from Dubai on an Emirates Airline flight.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that Over 4,000 Nigerians are waiting to be evacuated across the world back home. The ministry stated further that it has made arrangements for hotel accommodations in Lagos and Abuja, which will be used to quarantine the incoming citizens.