The United States Mission in Nigeria has evacuated 340 Americans from Nigeria amid the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
According to a statement shared on its Twitter handle, the US Mission said the Americans left Nigeria via the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos on Saturday.
They left aboard a chartered Omni Air International flight bound for Dulles Airport, near Washington, DC.
“The U.S. Mission in Nigeria wishes all aboard a smooth flight as they head home to rejoin family & friends. Stay Safe & Healthy!” the statement further read.
In a health alert published on its website on April 12, the US Mission explained, This is a self-funded, one-way flight to a single destination in the United States.
“All passengers must sign a promissory note and repay the full cost of their seat(s).
“In addition, travellers are responsible for organising and funding any travel to their final destination in the United States, all living expenses while in the United States, and any return travel to Nigeria.
“Evacuation flights can range between $1,350 and $2,400 per person.”
It was learnt that the Mission prioritised the evacuation of citizens with underlying health conditions and those on short visits to Nigeria before the closure of airports.
While the nation’s airports are closed to commercial flights, countries are permitted to evacuate their citizens using the airport through a special diplomatic arrangement.
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