We have not had it good since we returned from Dubai.
We tested negative for COVID-19 but treated as if we have the disease.
They arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, through an Emirates Airline about 07:40pm.
Some Nigerians just lately evacuated from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, have lamented that they’re being handled like “prisoners”.
They disclosed the hotel where they’re quarantined in Lagos is surrounded by soldiers. Who don’t allow them to even get fresh air or obtain some daylight inside the compound.
Considered one of them, who prefers anonymity for fear of being victimised, stated, “Sincerely, we have not had it good since we returned from Dubai. All of us tested negative for COVID-19 but we’re handled as if we have the disease.
“We’ve been here for 3 days now however not allowed to even breathe fresh air and even really feel daylight on our skin. It’s as if we’re in jail. Even the meals we’re given are not good in any respect. We’re just managing it.”
One other evacuee stated that no government official had called or visited to verify their welfare. Except some officials of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control who visited them on Saturday morning.
“We have been complaining about this however everything has fallen on deaf ears. Nobody from the federal government has referred to as to ask about our living conditions. It was this morning (Saturday) that some NCDC officers got here to test our health status.
“We aren’t allowed to even stroll inside the compound. We’re simply inside our rooms. If issues proceed this way, some of us may even fall sick from being idle,” he stated.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, neither responded to calls nor a text message on Saturday.
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, nevertheless, stated inquiries sent to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyema.
She stated, “All COVID-19 issues are dealt with by the Minister of Foreign Affairs in consultation with the PTF (Presidential Task Force). NIDCOM’s role was to assist co-ordinate the names of those that needed to return, working with the mission.
“And we obtained about 4,000 from about 75 countries. We aren’t involved in the logistics of their return. So please direct your inquiries to Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs who is in total control.”
No fewer than 256 evacuated Nigerians arrived in Lagos from the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday.
They arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, through an Emirates Airline about 07:40pm.
Upon their arrival, the evacuees positioned on 14-day quarantine according to government’s COVID-19 protocol.
