Covid-19|FG suspends evacuation of stranded Nigerians abroad, confirms 14 new infections

-Nigeria confirms 14 new Coronavirus cases

By our reporter| The Federal Government on Thursday made a ‘U-Turn’ on the proposed move to evacuate stranded Nigerians in foreign countries as it advised affected citizens to remain where they are for now to avoid the risk of contracting the disease.

Justifying the move in a statement on Thursday, Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, said, people travelling from one place to another stand a higher risk of getting infected with the coronavirus disease.

“It should be noted that medical experts have advised that it is better for individuals to remain where they are, as people travelling from one place to another stand a higher risk of getting infected with COVID-19.

Commenting on government’s initiative to evacuate stranded Nigerian nationals abroad, the Minister said staff of the Missions are aleady reaching out to Nigerians in their respective host countries, noting that in due course, the necessary details provided will enable the Government work out the logistics for proper implementation.

According to him, the country’s Diplomatic Missions abroad are still discharging their essential duties amidst the current challenges caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

He further stated that only Officers responsible for strategic duties are to report to the Chancery on the basis of exigencies, while others are to perform essential assignments from home, to minimize contact at the office.

The Missions, he said, have continued to liaise with other countries, as well as, international organizations and render reports on key developments, with a view to boosting the domestic efforts back home.

“Furthermore, our Heads of Mission have maintained communication with the leadership of the Ministry at this period, to keep the Ministry informed of the conditions of Nigerians in their respective host countries,” he said.

Meanwhile, Nigeria on Thursday night confirmed fourteen new cases of the Coronavirus infection in two states, bringing the country’s toll to 288.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control made the discloure via its verified Twitter handle.

According to the health agency 13 of the new cases was reported in Lagos while Delta recorded one infection.

The tweet read, ”Fourteen new cases of #COVID19 have been reported in Nigeria: 13 in Lagos and 1 in Delta State”.

”As at 09:30 pm 9th April, there are 288 confirmed cases of #COVID19 reported in Nigeria. Fifty-one have been discharged with seven deaths”.