FG Commends Evacuation of Stranded Nigerians from Sudan

… urge Embassy to lookout for more stranded Nigerians

By Urube Peter, Abuja

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management & Social Development, Dr Nasir Sani-Gwarzo has commended the federal government’s efforts so far in the evacuation of Nigerians from war torn Sudan.

He declared the official closure of the Situation Room set up to ensure the safe return of all willing Nigerians from Sudan.

Dr Gwarzo in a joint press briefing on in Abuja with Foreign Affairs Ministry, also appreciated the efforts of Nigerian Embassy in Sudan, and equally applauded the
Federal Government, following the successful evacuation of 2,518 Nigerian Students who constituted 95% of the returnees to the country from trouble Sudan.

The Permanent Secretary, explained that the Situation Room has completed its assignments of ensuring the safe return of 2,518 Nigerians and reuniting them with their loved ones in Nigeria.

He resonated their feats to include, the swift medical evacuation of six individuals in critical condition, that all of them have been discharged from hospitals already. Meanwhile, there’s only one person left he’s receiving the necessary care.

While commending the students’ for their composure and homecoming, and was deep satisfied with their warm reception.

Recognizing the presence of other Nigerians in Sudan, such as recent travellers and long-established families, the Ministry has established a dedicated committee charged to facilitate their repatriation, replicating the successful efforts made for the students.

In addition, an extensive support system has been established to assist any Nigerians still requiring assistance in Sudan, with a view to ensuring their safe return to Nigeria.

He then called on the Students to use their contacts to report any of their colleagues who may have been missed during the evacuation. This is to ensure that no Nigerian feels abandoned, Gwarzo said.

In his words, “a lot of Nigerians in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, have already been repatriated, with only 13 individuals remaining, and prompt efforts are underway to bring them home. Also in Jimena Chad and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, all Nigerians have returned, except for nine and seven individuals respectively, who trace their way home safely.

Notably, all 800 travellers who transited through Egypt have successfully returned home, leaving no pending cases”.

He noted that there may be some Nigerians who may have a long history residing in Sudan such ones who are desiring to return home are being profiling by the embassy.

The Ministry has actively commenced the profiling of these individuals and has established a Committee dedicated to facilitating their safe passage to Nigeria.

It’s note worthy that the exact number of those awaiting for repatriation remains fluid, the committee has already begun assessing logistics and examining necessary paperwork.

Now for proper arrangement and documentation, he said, Port Sudan has been designated as the official collection centre, advising all evacuees to relocate there.

Again, he reiterated that the successful evacuation operation is a kudos to the government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and well-being of Nigerian citizens abroad.

As for me, It’s a dream come through Dr Sani Gwarzo said, the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development remains resilient to ensuring the safe return of all Nigerians in need, upholding their value and dignity as always