In order to evacuate Nigerians impacted by the fighting in Sudan from Egypt, the federal government has stated that more aircraft must be made available.
As 376 stranded Nigerians from Egypt were expected to arrive, Hon. Abike Dabir, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), made this statement at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja.
She claimed that everyone would arrive if four airplanes could take off at once.
She claims that Egyptian officials demand that the planes brought from Nigeria must have enough space for the Nigerians who are willing to travel; otherwise, they won’t permit them to evacuate anyone.
“If four planes go at the same time, they will bring everybody back. So, NEMA has assured that they have done that for Egypt.
“Most importantly also, we hope those over there come back speedily. So, we are expecting that with the arrangements made by NEMA, it is going to be more planes because Egypt makes it difficult.
“Egypt says if the number of people you brought is let’s say 200 and the aircraft can only take 150, then nobody will leave. They want to pick you the expected number of people that you are bringing into their border,” she said.
Dabiri said that at Port Sudan, the Nigerian government was trying to get tickets as it was more difficult to get flight to Port Sudan.
“At the Port Sudan, we are trying to get tickets because it is even more difficult to get flight to Port Sudan but they have an airline, so they are processing them now to get them tickets and then they come back home and if other airlines get the landing permit, they will quickly go to help evacuate them.
“At least, they are coming back home and we are glad nobody’s life was lost and priority was given to students, women and children. So, let’s just set our eyes on that,” she said.
According to her, another 3,000 stranded Nigerians were expected to return home.
