COVID-19: Evacuation of stranded Nigerians in US begins May 10

The Consulate-General of Nigeria in New York said on Monday the evacuation of Nigerians stranded in the United States due to the COVID-19 pandemic would begin on May 10.

The Consul-General, Mr. Benaoyagha Okoyen, who disclosed this in a notice issued on behalf of the Nigerian Missions in the US, said at least 700 Nigerians have registered with the missions for evacuation back home.

The exercise, according to him, will be carried out in batches.

Okoyen had last month told journalists that the dates for the evacuation of Nigerians stranded in the US would be announced to the public.

In the latest notice, the consul-general said the first batch of 270 evacuees would be transported to Abuja through an Ethiopian Airlines flight ET 509.

He added that the plane is expected to depart the Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey at 9.15 p.m., and fly directly to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Okoyen said: “As earlier announced by the Federal Government, the flight is at the expense of the evacuees, who will all fly economy class, according to the notice.

Read also: COVID-19. PDP urges Nigerians to protect themselves, says Buhari no longer knows what to do

“The projected cost for the one-way economy ticket is between $1,300 (N488, 800) and $1,700 (N639, 200) per adult.

“Please note that over 700 Nigerian nationals have registered with our missions in the USA to be evacuated.

“However, only 270 passengers shall be accommodated in this batch of evacuation.

“Missions will, therefore, attend to applicants on a first-come, first-served basis and shall prioritize the list of evacuees according to their immigration status.

“This includes the need to consider those stranded with proof of short-stay visas, the elderly, families with children, and returning students.”

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