Over 250 British nationals have just left for the UK from Nigeria today (Friday 8 May), on a special return charter flight organised between the UK and Nigerian governments. The outward journey also brought over 200 Nigerian nationals from London Heathrow back home to Nigeria via the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos. This is the eighth repatriation flight organised by the British High Commission for Brits wanting to return from Nigeria, since all airports in Nigeria closed to international commercial flights on 23 March.
The British High Commissioner Catriona Laing said:
“I’m so pleased we were able help Nigerians get back home to Nigeria whilst also helping more British nationals return home to the UK. We work around the clock to support British nationals who remain in the country.
“I want offer a huge thank you to the Nigerian government for their support and assistance in arranging these flights. The strong cooperation we have had from our Nigerian partners demonstrates the enduring bonds between our two countries”.
The British High Commission has been working with The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Transportation and Ministry of Aviation, the FCT, the Nigerian High Commission and Lagos State authorities to arrange all of the flights.
The UK will continue to work closely with the Nigerian government in the future, not just on flights for stranded travellers in both our countries, but on fighting COVID-19 and building a better future for Nigeria.
