By Joyce Remi- Babayeju
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq has announced that the Federal Government has commenced the airlifting and safety of stranded Nigerian students trapped in the Ukraine war.
In a press statement signed by Rhoda Ishaku Iliya, Deputy Director Information, Minister stated that Mr. President has approved the immediate evacuation of Nigerian Citizens from the conflict areas and has directed the Ministry to work with all relevant agencies to ensure this is done quickly and expeditiously.
According to the statement the relevant agencies under the Ministry which comprises the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) have been directed to work closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure smooth evacuation.
The National Emergency Management Agency is the leading the evacuation process while the Ministry is providing the coordination and necessary support.
Furthermore the ministry has urged all parents to remain calm as the Federal Government is doing all it can to ensure that Nigerians are returned in safety and dignity as soon as possible.
She confirmed that three flights are leaving Abuja for Romania, Hungary and Poland for this purpose on Wednesday 2nd March, 2022 while other flights will be arranged as the situation progresses.
She called on all Nigerian in Ukraine to be guided by the advisories regularly issued by the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs at all times.
