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US tells its citizens in Nigeria to get ready for evacuation amid COVID-19 spread

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U.S embassy halts consular services in Abuja

The United States of America through its Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria has ordered its citizens living in the country to prepare for evacuation flights out of Nigeria amid the spread of COVID-19.

This was revealed on Friday in a statement entitled ‘Health Alert: US Mission in Nigeria’ which was issued by the Embassy advising American citizens to be in Abuja and Lagos “as soon as possible” to join the arranged flights back to the US.

The statement by the Consulate also advised US nationals not in Abuja and Lagos to work with local airlines to make travel arrangements while flights are still available.

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The statement further added that; “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,” the statement added.

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