The federal government has stated that more aircraft are needed to rescue Nigerians impacted by the Sudan war from Egypt.
Abike Dabir, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), revealed this Wednesday night at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja while expecting the arrival of 376 stranded Nigerians from Egypt.
She claimed that if four planes could fly at the same time, everyone would arrive on time.
According to her, Egyptian officials stress that the planes dispatched from Nigeria must be able to handle the number of Nigerians who are available to travel, or they will refuse to evacuate anyone.
“If four planes go at the same time, they will bring everybody back. So, NEMA has assured that they have done that for Egypt.
“Most importantly also, we hope those over there come back speedily. So, we are expecting that with the arrangements made by NEMA, there are going to be more planes because Egypt makes it difficult.
“Egypt says if the number of people you brought is let’s say 200 and the aircraft can only take 150, then nobody will leave. They want to pick the expected number of people that you are bringing into their border,” she said.
Dabiri said that at Port Sudan, the Nigerian government was trying to get tickets as it was more difficult to get a flight to Port Sudan.
“At the Port Sudan, we are trying to get tickets because it is even more difficult to get flight to Port Sudan but they have an airline, so they are processing them now to get them tickets and then they come back home and if other airlines get the landing permit, they will quickly go to help evacuate them.
“At least, they are coming back home and we are glad nobody’s life was lost and priority was given to students, women and children. So, let’s just set our eyes on that,” she said.
According to her, another 3,000 stranded Nigerians were expected to return home.
