The United Kingdom said it is set to evacuate Britons in Nigeria from Saturday, April 18, 2020.
The British High Commission in Nigeria made the announcement on Tuesday, April 14 stating that it will “commence the airlifting of that Britons in Nigeria, who wish to return to the UK amid the coronavirus pandemic will on April 18.”
Flights are expected to depart Lagos and Abuja, two cities that currently under lockdown.
“Our first flights are expected to leave both Lagos and Abuja on Saturday 18 April with a further flight from Lagos on 20 April,” the British Mission said in a statement.
“You will not be able to pick your departure date – the online booking process will generate it automatically.”
The mission further stated that vulnerable people including those with underlying health conditions and those who are visitors to Nigeria would be prioritised.
“Anyone flying back to the UK on an HMG chartered flight will need to pay for their own ticket,” the mission said.
READ ALSO: UK Govt Extends Nationwide Lockdown as COVID-19 Deaths Near 13,000
It said, More flights will follow, depending on demand and noted that to be eligible for a flight your primary residence has to be in the UK.
“We are coordinating with the Federal and State government to help ensure that those of you who are outside of Abuja and Lagos can get to the airports despite the lockdown,” the mission said.
Only essential flights, which include cargo services, emergency landing, and evacuation, among others, were allowed though subject to the approval of the Minister of Aviation.
Also, Lagos State, Ogun State, and the capital city Abuja have been shut down for more than two weeks. Other Nigerian states have also announced some measures to curb the spread of the virus.
Yetunde Adegoke
