Details of the cost of evacuation of Nigerians stranded abroad as a result of the ban on normal international flights has come to light with Nigerians living in Bangkok, Thailand paying the sum of Two Hundred and Ninety Seven Thousand, Six Hundred naira (N297,600) before they are airlifted to Nigeria.
Last month, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Godffrey Onyeama said: “All evacuees are to pay in full for one-way flight ticket to Nigeria. The cost of the flight ticket will be communicated in due course after due consultation with the airlines.”
However, he was silent on the cost of accommodation and feeding of the evacuees once they arrive back to Nigeria.
The Embassy of Nigeria in Bangkok directed all Nigerians to be evacuated from Thailand back to Nigeria that they are to pay for their quarantine isolation centre accommodation or hotel and cost of feeding before departure and arrival in Nigeria.
In a letter signed by the Head of Chancery, Nicolas P. Uhomoibhi, on behalf of the Ambassador and Nigerian Ambassador to Thailand read aa follows: “Dear prospective evacuees; Need to pay quarantine, isolation, accommodation centre or hotel before departure and arrival in Nigeria.
“I am directed to bring to your attention that due to measures that are beyond the control of the COVID-19 Local Organizing Team in Nigeria, all evacuees going to Nigeria henceforth are to now pay for their quarantine, isolation, accommodation centre or hotel before departure and arrival in Nigeria.
“In this regard, all prospective evacuees are to note the negotiated rate below; accommodation: 15,000 for 16 days N240, 000; feeding: 3,600 for 16 days N57, 600. Total per day 18, 600 for 16 days N297, 600.
“Kindly be informed that these rates were negotiated in Nigeria and that the Embassy has been instructed not to airlift any evacuee who fails to pay the above fee.”
