ABUJA,Nigeria – In response to the public uproar over a $1.2 million sum for bus rentals utilized to transport Nigerians from Khartoum, Sudan to Egypt for subsequent evacuation to Nigeria, the federal government, through the ministries of foreign and humanitarian affairs, has deemed the outcry unjustified.
The ministries clarified that the amount was negotiated under war conditions, which heightened competition for bus services from other countries seeking to evacuate their citizens.
A joint statement on Friday, April 28, 2023, from Janet Olisa, Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary in Foreign Affairs, and Dr Nasir Sani-Gwarzo of the Humanitarian Ministry, urged the public to disregard unverified information circulating on social media, attributing some of these to ignorance or outright mischief.
“The outcry over the negotiated sum of $1.2 million for the buses hired for the exercise is uncalled for. The amount in question was negotiated in a condition of war and where there are competing demands for the same bus services by other countries also trying to evacuate their citizens,” the statement read.
The ministers appealed for public understanding and cooperation to complement their ongoing efforts to ensure the safe return of every Nigerian trapped in Sudan.
The first batch of 13 buses carrying 637 evacuees has arrived at the identified safe borders at Aswan, Egypt. They are presently undergoing necessary documentation and clearance before being admitted into the Egyptian territory for their eventual evacuation to Nigeria. The second batch of 29 buses is scheduled to commence movement on Saturday, April 29th, 2023.
Amidst rumors on social media, the ministries affirmed that embassy staff are actively coordinating the evacuation exercise in Khartoum. They urged students and other Nigerians awaiting evacuation to cooperate, emphasizing the importance of orderliness and proper documentation to avoid unnecessary delays upon arrival at Aswan, Egypt.
The Federal Government extended its gratitude to friendly nations that have assisted in this endeavor, notably acknowledging the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for aiding the evacuation of eight Nigerians from Sudan to safety within its territory.
Meanwhile, the first group of Nigerian evacuees who have arrived at Aswan are expected to be airlifted to Nigeria in the coming hours by the Nigerian Air Force and Air Peace airline, who are on standby for the operation.
