“You must test negative for COVID-19 before evacuation”, FG Tells Nigerians Abroad

Following the rapid spread of the coronavirus in Europe and America, the federal government has said Nigerians abroad, who are interested in returning to the country, must test negative for the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM ) made this known in a form on its website entitled “COVID-19 Application Form for Nigerians who want to return home”.

According to the commission, anyone who intends to return “must get tested for the virus in your country of residence and be issued an authorised health clearance certificate attesting that you are COVID-19 free”.

“This certificate must be presented and authenticated by officials at the airport in your country of departure before you are allowed to board the aircraft,” it said.

“On landing, you will also be on compulsory quarantine for 14 days on arrival in Nigeria, at an NCDC approved location.

It was reported that NIDCOM Chairperson, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, had announced that the returnees will take care of thier financial implications of the evacuation.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, had on Monday said only a few Nigerians abroad had so far indicated interest to return to Nigeria.

“We sent the letters (to the embassies) last week but we have not gotten many persons that want to return now,” he said.

“They are just few, not many; but we are still waiting to confirm their actual number.”