Ukraine: FG in talks with Russia, Poland, others to evacuate Nigerians – Onyeama

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Goeffrey Onyeama, said the Federal Government was coordinating with foreign missions both in Russia and Ukraine to evacuate Nigerians from Ukraine back home for safety.

Aside from Russia and Ukraine, Onyeama said that the government was also coordinating with Nigeria’s foreign missions in Poland, Romania, and Hungary to evacuate Nigerians and ensure the safety of those who chose to stay back in Ukraine.

The Minister disclosed this in an update on his Twitter handle on Sunday, following the invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops.

He tweeted, “Spoke on the phone with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba. Expressed sympathy for the needless loss of life and destruction and reiterated Nigeria’s recognition of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“I also expressed concern at the news of Ukrainian border guards hindering the exit of Nigerian citizens. He asserted that Ukrainian border guards have been instructed to allow all foreigners to leave. He promised to investigate and revert quickly.

“The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine reverted to state: “It’s official: no restrictions for foreign nationals to leave the country exit. Problem is the result of chaos on the border and checkpoints leading to them”.

“I am personally coordinating with our missions in Ukraine, Poland, Russia, Romania, and Hungary to ensure we get our citizens out of Ukraine and bring back to Nigeria those ready to return, while supporting those who are remaining in Ukraine.”