The British High Commission has disclosed that plans are in top gear to evacuate British nationals wishing to leave Nigeria.
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ms Catriona Laing, explained that the commission came to this decision as a result of the rapidly changing situation in Africa and recent airport closures, which makes it difficult for the said nationals to return home.
The UK High Commission in Nigeria, in a statement in its Twitter handle, @UKinNigeria, requested all British nationals interested in returning home to indicate their interest.
British nationals who wish to travel back to #UK are advised to express their interest by emailing Consular.Lagos@fco.gov.uk with:name, email ad, mobile number, location and other relevant info. We'll use this info if we need to get in touch with you and help you get onto flights
— UK in Nigeria🇬🇧🇳🇬 (@UKinNigeria) March 26, 2020
They noted that the commission had decided to reduce the number of the High Commission staff and dependents in Nigeria, even though the missions in Abuja and Lagos will remain open to carry out essential work, including providing 24 hours consular assistance and support to the British nationals in the country.
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The statement read, “Given the rapidly changing situation in the region, the recent airport closures and recognizing that it has become more difficult to get out in case of need, we have taken the decision to reduce the number of UK (United Kingdom) staff and dependents from our High Commission.
“Our missions in both Abuja and Lagos will remain open, continuing to carry out essential work, including providing 24/7 consular assistance and support to the British nationals in Nigeria.
“Given the unavailability of commercial airlines, the commission is exploring other options and will contact interested nationals as plans are concluded.”