The Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, has said that the evacuation of Nigerians in Diaspora would come to an end on August 25.
Mustapha disclosed this at the recently PTF daily briefing in Abuja. While making the disclosure, Mustapha added that the United States and Egyptian governments had made known their plan to repatriate Nigerians who have been convicted, pardoned, and paroled in these countries.
Mustapha said: “A number of countries had signified intention to repatriate Nigerians convicted and pardoned and paroled in those countries.
“These include the UAE, Egypt and the US coming in the midst of our National Response to COVID-19, all relevant agencies of government are taking multi-sectoral steps to ensure that the process remains within acceptable international protocols and in line with bilateral agreements.
“For the purpose of clarity, this should be distinguished from normal evacuation flights and we wish to state that all evacuation flights will end on August 25, 2020 after which Airports will be given sufficient time to prepare for reopening.”
He also praised sub-national efforts at halting the spread of COVID-19.
He said: “I want to use this opportunity to appreciate the sub-national levels of government for their efforts at advancing the Risk Communication and Community Engagement Strategy.
“The PTF is happy to note that their ownership of the strategy has manifested in many states establishing sample collection centres in all their local government Areas, while those that are yet to do so are also working on it.
“Similarly, the establishment of treatment centres, which is contributing to the high number of discharge cases and reduced fatality, in most local government areas is worth commending.
“We are fully in the community spread phase and one of the major measures we can take is to keep testing to detect, detect, and treat.
“Our partners have continued to provide support for our National Response.
“Over the weekend, the United Arab Emirates presented Nigeria with 7.5 tonnes of medical supplies and also facilitated the return of stranded Nigerians in their country.
“The Nigerian government wishes to express her appreciation to the government and good people of the UAE and its people.”
