Twelve Nigerians awaiting evacuation in Côte d’Ivoire have reportedly paid N7m for a charter flight.
The stranded men weewre said to be desperate to return home on account of the coronavirus pandemic.
A senior official informed Punch that the Nigerian Mission in Côte d’Ivoire gave the 12 businessmen approval to secure the aircraft at their own expense.
The source stated, “Twelve businessmen stranded in Côte d’Ivoire are desperate to return home. They contacted the Nigerian Mission in Côte d’Ivoire and were asked to make their own travel arrangements, so they decided to come by charter flight.
“They have agreed to pay N7m for the charter flight, but they are waiting for the ministries of Foreign Affairs and Aviation to sort out the landing rights and other clearance issues. A man in Sierra Leone, who is suffering from acute typhoid and was anxious to return home for treatment, is also willing to pay N1m for a seat on the flight.”
