6th April, 2020
The United States of America on Sunday said its nationals leaving Nigeria amid the coronavirus pandemic will be responsible for their medical bills.
In a statement on its website on Sunday, the US noted that its hospitals are “overwhelmed” and there are shortages of basic supplies across the country.
The statement also noted that two evacuation flights scheduled to depart Lagos on Friday were cancelled due to flight clearance issues in some West African states.
The statement read in part, “Two flights that were scheduled to depart Lagos on Friday were cancelled due to flight clearance issues in other West African states.
“The U.S. government immediately took action to redress the situation and the flights have been rescheduled.
“Potential evacuees (should) bear in mind the following considerations in determining if an evacuation flight is in the best interest of you and your family.
“Healthcare systems in many localities in the United States are currently overwhelmed. If you need to seek medical care while in the United States, you will be responsible for all costs not covered by your insurance;
“There are shortages of many basic supplies across the United States, including toilet paper and canned and frozen foods. Many stores, restaurants, and businesses are closed;
“At this time, Nigerian airports are closed to all commercial international flights. If you evacuate to the United States, it is unlikely you will be able to return to Nigeria until the Nigerian government reopens the airports and commercial flights resume.”
Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, had stated that foreigners in Nigeria were leaving the country to use health facilities in their countries.