President Muhammadu Buhari has sanctioned $8.5 million for the immediate evacuation of 5,000 Nigerians who have been stuck due to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.
The approval was given on Wednesday at the federal executive council (FEC) meeting chaired by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, according to Zubairu Dada, minister of state for international affairs.
According to Dada, Air Peace and Max Air have been hired to provide three aircraft to help Nigerians flee the country following Russia’s invasion of the Eastern European country.
According to the minister, 940 Romanians, 150 Slovakians, and 350 Poles will be evacuated.
“The ministry of humanitarian affairs wrote a memo to the president seeking funding to enable us to conduct this exercise,” Dada said.
“The memo was for $8.5 million, and Mr. President generously authorized it.” This provision calls for the evacuation of at least 5,000 Nigerians.
“Whatever occurs, you can rest assured that we will work any number of shifts that are required.” Don’t forget that it will also entail looking after any Nigerians who opt not to return.
“It also includes some assistance for the feeding that may have been done by the missions under whatever arrangements. Even the missions themselves are also in dire situations. So it’s a whole gambit of activities that are involved.”
The evacuation flights, according to the minister, will begin today (Wednesday)
