24th February, 2022
By Lizzy Okoji
The Nigerian Government has promised to embark on the evacuation of Nigerians living in Ukraine as soon as the airports in the country are open.
The Federal Government made the promise on Thursday in a statement by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Francisca Omayuli, following the invasion of Ukraine by neighbouring Russia.
The government also assured Nigerians of its commitment to ensuring the safety of the lives of citizens living in Ukraine.
It added that measures were actually being taken to safeguard the lives of Nigerians in Ukraine.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria has received with surprise, reports of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been reassured by the Nigerian Embassy in Ukraine of the safety of Nigerians in that country.
“And measures are being taken to keep them safe and facilitate the evacuation of those who wish to leave.
“The Federal Government wishes to assure families with loved ones in Ukraine that as soon as the airports in the country are opened, it will assist in facilitating the evacuation of Nigerians who are willing to leave.
“In the meantime, the Nigerian Mission has confirmed that military action by the Russians has been confined to military installations.”
Earlier, the House of Representatives called for the immediate evacuation of Nigerians in Ukraine.
The lawmakers were concerned there are many Nigerian students in Ukraine who could be caught in the crossfire.
The motion was moved by representative Ahmed Munir during plenary on Thursday.
But some lawmakers feared that it may be too late as the evacuation should have been done long ago.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, agreed with a lawmaker, Leke Abejide, to interact with the Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema to evacuate Nigerians from Ukraine by Monday, February 28.
The House Committee on Foreign Affairs was then mandated to liaise with the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
In Ukraine, the Nigerian Embassy urged Nigerians in the country to remain calm and take responsibility for their personal security and safety.
“The Embassy urges Nigerian nationals resident in Ukraine to remain calm but be very vigilant and be responsible for their personal security and safety,” the notice read.
“The Embassy wishes to add that should any of Nigerian nationals considers the situation as emotionally disturbing, such nationals may wish to temporary relocate to anywhere considered safe by private arrangements.
“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.
“In addition, in case of students seeking such temporary relocation, they are enjoined to seek proper clearance and guarantee from their respective institutions, authorities/agents on the way forward in respect to their studies during this period and/or thereafter.
“For those who still consider it appropriate to remain in the country, be assured that the embassy remains open for its consular duties and responsibilities at all times. It will always avail you of updates when necessary.”