In light of the emerging conflicts between Ukraine and Russia, the Nigerian government is considering a special flight operation to evacuate its residents from Ukraine.
In an interview with NTA, Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyeama stated the Nigerian embassy in Kiev has been called to make preparations for Nigerian nationals wishing to flee Ukraine.
He said, “We are not going to take any chances, we have agreed that we are going to ask all Nigerians to stay in their residence and what we plan to do is once the airports are open, the embassy will assist those who are ready and willing to leave the country.”
“There are five airports, so we are now planning to get those who want to leave to the airports nearest to where they are staying and assist for them to leave the country.”
The House of Representatives has asked that Nigerians in Ukraine be evacuated immediately and has offered to share the responsibility.
The National Assembly’s lower chamber demanded that the House leader, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, and the Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Buba Yakub, communicate with the ministry of foreign affairs on the subject.
This came after the plenary on Thursday approved a motion proposed by Ahmed Munir.
Munir stated that Nigerians’ lives are in danger since the crisis may worsen in the next days, putting Nigerians in a more precarious scenario.
He said, “We have a significant number of undergraduate and graduate students currently studying in Ukraine of which a portion are under government scholarships.
“This is in addition to a number of Nigerian diplomats and their families in the Kiev embassy and Nigerian expatriates across Ukraine.”
In response, House Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila stated that the House will work with Air Peace to organize for the potential evacuation of Nigerians, mainly students, from Ukraine.
The change of plans just came hours after Nigeria’s government encouraged its citizens to “be responsible for their security and safety.”
The Nigerian Embassy earlier said, “In view of the development, the embassy urges Nigerian Nationals resident in Ukraine to remain calm but very vigilant and be responsible for their security and safety.
“The embassy wishes to add that should any Nigerian National consider the situation as emotionally disturbing, such National may temporarily relocate to anywhere considered safe by private arrangement. They should, however, ensure that they do all the needful to validate all their resident documents for ease of return to the country when desired.
“Students seeking temporary relocation are enjoined to seek proper clearance and guarantee form from their respective institutions during this period.
“For those who are still considering it appropriate to remain in the country, be rest assured that the embassy remains open for its consular duties and responsibilities at all times.”