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Coronavirus: Donald Trump To Evacuate US Citizens From Nigeria
The American Government is currently preparing to evacuate US Citizens in Nigeria
The airlift of the Americans will happen despite the recent closure of Nigerian airports.
The evacuation is on account of the increasing cases of confirmed coronavirus cases in Nigeria. The figures currently stand at 81.
As of Saturday morning, the US has 68, 334 confirmed cases of COVID – 19 with 991 attendant deaths. This is according to World Health Organisation statistics.
Troubled by the figures, President Donald Trump on Friday had ordered General Motors, Ford amongst other production giants to start the mass production of ventilators.
The Federal Government had closed all international airports in the country. This includes the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport Abuja. This measure was taken to prevent further importation of COVID -19.
On Friday, in a Notice, the US Consulate advised US citizens to be in Abuja and Lagos “as soon as possible”. This was to join the arranged flights back to the US.
It also advised nationals not in Abuja and Lagos to work with local airlines to make travel arrangements while flights are still available.
It 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.
“ 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 enrol in STEP immediately .”
