The UK high
commission in Nigeria says it is exploring options of how to evacuate its
citizens willing to leave the country.
In a statement on
Friday, the commission said it wants to reduce the number of its diplomats in
Nigeria but that the closure of the international airports has made it
difficult to do so.
The federal
government had shut down the international airports as a measure to check the
spread of coronavirus.
But the commission
said it will continue to provide assistance to those UK citizens in need,
adding that the commission in Abuja and the deputy commission in Lagos are not
shutting down.
“On Thursday, 26
March 2020, the British High Commission to Nigeria released a public statement
advising of our intention to reduce the number of British Diplomats posted to
our High Commission,” it said in a statement.
“The rapidly
changing situation in Nigeria, alongside the recent nationwide airport
closures, has meant it will become more difficult to get people out of Nigeria
in the event of an emergency going forward.
“However, we have
been absolutely clear that the British High Commission in Abuja and our Deputy
High Commission in Lagos are not closing. Our Missions will continue to deliver
essential functions such as consular assistance and support to British
Nationals in Nigeria.
“For those British
nationals in Nigeria who wish to return to the United Kingdom, we are rapidly
exploring options, whilst there are currently no commercial flights available.
“As the British
Prime Minister has made clear, this is the number one priority for the United
Kingdom, and we will continue to work around the clock to provide assistance
and support to those in need.
“We encourage
everyone to review our travel advice and follow our social media feed
(@UKinNigeria) where we provide the most up-to-date information we have on the
situation.”
The commission said
its citizens who wish to return to the UK should register their interest via
email to consular.Lagos@fco.gov.uk, where they will be asked to provide their
details.
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Let the airports remained closed. Most returnees from the UK brought to Nigeria this Covid-19. I believe British citizens are even safer here in Nigeria than returning to the UK.
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