FG prepares 1,300-bed space isolation centre for Nigerian returnees

The Federal Government is preparing a 1,300-bed space isolation centre for Nigerians abroad willing to be repatriated into the country amid the pandemic.

According to a statement by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, an agency under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, disclosed this at the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 daily press briefing on Monday in Abuja.

The minister had said the countrymen would be placed on compulsory isolation for 14 days upon landing in the country.

He had added that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control would oversee the isolation process and test them for coronavirus at the end of the period before they are allowed to mix freely with the public.

Speaking on Monday, Onyeama said all Nigerians abroad willing to come home would be brought back if there were enough bed spaces at isolation centres in the country.

“We have secured 300 beds in Lagos and 1,000 in Abuja, the governor of Lagos has been outstanding in his support, he has done a great job and his leadership quality is exemplary,” he said.

He explained that the government was in the process of repatriating Nigerians abroad who were willing to return and Emirates Airlines had indicated interest to bring them back to Nigeria.

He added that the airline would operate on May 6, to bring Nigerians abroad back to the country and the returnees would be the first batch to be brought from abroad.