Another batch of 27 stranded Nigerian girls evacuated from Lebanon arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Sunday, with tales of woes.
One of the returnees said they encountered many challenges in Lebanon with many of them being owed seven to eight months salaries by their employers.
The girls were evacuated as a result of the collaboration between the Nigerian and the Lebanese government, as well as the Lebanese community in Nigeria
Mr Ferdinand Nwonye, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who represented the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama, said the evacuation was in fulfilment of the Nigerian government’s promise to ensure no Nigerian is left stranded in Lebanon.
There had been several pleas from Nigerians stranded in Lebanon appealing for assistance to enable them to return home.
Nwonye said the Nigerian government was aware of the unfortunate situation they experienced in Lebanon, hence the collaboration to ensure their safe return to the country.
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“I am here on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs who facilitated this return, together with the Ministry of Aviation, Embassy of Nigeria in Beirut, the Lebanese Embassy in Nigeria and the Lebanese community in Nigeria.
“These are the individuals and institutions that made it possible for you to be here today.
“It is unfortunate the situation you passed through; which is why the Ministries concerned made sure you are here today and we are telling you that you are now home today and nothing will happen to you.
“Make sure you follow the protocols they advised you on; you know what to do to recover your passports again.
“You are welcome back home and I wish you journey mercies to your various destinations,’’ Nwonye said.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman told newsmen that the stranded Nigerians were evacuated in line with the Federal Government’s guidelines on COVID-19 evacuations.
He said the girls tested negative for COVID-19 before embarking on the journey and would be allowed to go home after 14 days self-isolation, in line with the Federal Government’s guidelines for COVID-19 evacuations.
He explained that their passports were retrieved from them upon arrival and they are expected to collect them back with proof of COVID-19 tests which they are expected to take again once they complete their 14-day self-isolation.
