When on Friday last week in connection with the increasing outbreak of Coronavirus the news filtered in, that the United States of America was sending an evacuation flight to take its citizens out of Nigeria, at a time confirmed cases in the Africa’s most populous country was at less than 45 with one death and two recoveries, many asked why.
The “why” was because the US was already at the overwhelming stage climbing so fearfully in number as all efforts by it to stop the pandemic failed.
The US Consulate had, in a notice, titled ‘Health Alert: US Mission in Nigeria’ advised American citizens to be in Abuja and Lagos “as soon as possible” to join the arranged flights back to the US.
The DEFENDER reports that only on February 1, 2020 the Donald Trump-led administration of the country added Nigeria to a list of nations banned from entering America, which, despite clarification by the Muhammadu Buhari Presidency to merely affect a category of migrants, opposition locally used as bad luck brought on Nigeria by the party in power.
The US however did not exempt Nigeria when, as the pandemic effect got to to its throat, it called out to doctors and other medical workers from any part of the world to apply for its visa that hitherto was scarce commodity to come and help it in its overwhelming situation.
The reason respondents that spoke with The DEFENDER on the development asked questions in the manner that they did.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had banned international flights but confirmed essential flights will still operate.
The essential flights include aircraft in a state of emergency, overflights, operations related to humanitarian aid, medical and relief flights, alternate aerodrome identified in the flight plan, technical stop where passengers do not disembark, cargo flights and other safety-related operations.
The US consulate stated, “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.”
