Following outrage from Nigerian citizens over the budgeted amount for the evacuation of stranded Nigerians in war-torn Sudan, the Federal Government has made clarification.
This was disclosed in a joint statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development (FMHADMSD), and jointly signed by Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, MFA, Amb. Janet Olisa, and Permanent Secretary, FMHADMSD, Dr. Nasir Sani- Gwarzo, on Friday.
According to the statement, the amount was negotiated in a condition of war and where there are competing demands for same bus services by other countries also trying to evacuate their citizens.
The statement reads, “The general public is .also advised to discountenance unverified information being circulated on the social media as some of them are either due to ignorance or sheer mischief.
“The outcry over the negotiated sum of $1.2 million for the buses hired for the exercise, is uncalled for. The amount in question, was negotiated in a conditionof war and where there are competing demands for same bus services by other countries also trying to evacuate their citizens.
“Therefore, the cooperation and understanding of all and sundry is required to complement ongoing efforts aimed at ensuring the safe return of every Nigerian trapped in Sudan.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria seizes this opportunity to extend appreciationto friendly countries who have in one way or the other assisted in bringing succour to Nigerians fleeing the war in Sudan.
“Particularly, Nigeria acknowledges the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for graciously assisting with the evacuation of eight Nigerians from Sudan to safety in its territory, from where they would be airlifted back to Nigeria.
“In the time being, the first batch of Nigerian evacuees who have arrived Aswan are expected to be airlifted to Nigeria in the coming hours by the Nigerian Air Force and Air Peace airline, who have been on standby for the operations.”
