Nigerian students in Ukraine have found themselves stuck in the middle of a fiery warzone. Public transport like buses, trains and aeroplanes have ceased to work after Ukraine imposed a state of emergency.
Following Russia’s invasion on Thursday, Nigerian citizens in the country have been advised to “remain calm but be very vigilant and be responsible for their personal security and safety,” according to the Nigerian Embassy in Kyiv.
Official records say there are around 4,000 Nigerian students in Ukraine.
Nigerian students in Ukraine will be able to cross over to Poland.
Arrangements for Nigerians to enter entry points in Poland, Romania and Hungary
Nigerian embassies have been announcing arrangements for Nigerians looking to leave Ukraine. Citizens have the option of crossing over to Poland.
“For Nigerians in Ukraine trying to cross over to Poland, there are eight borders between Poland and Ukraine, four borders are recommended,” Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) told Sahara Reporters. They can cross border points and locations below:
-
Hrebenne-Rawa Ruska
-
Korczowa-Krakowiec
-
Medyka-Szeginie
-
Budomierz-Hurszew
Nigerians crossing over to Poland would need to present 02-953, Kosiarzy 22B, 02-956 Warszawa as their destination address to the border officials. At the border, staff of the embassy and volunteer groups will be there to help you out.
In several tweets, a personal assistant to the Nigerian president, Bashir Ahmad, announced that the Nigerian Embassy in Romania has made arrangements to receive Nigerians at the Romanian entry points as well as Hungary.
PUBLIC NOTICE FROM THE NIGERIAN EMBASSY IN POLAND pic.twitter.com/UzBzLoKDgF
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria 🇳🇬 (@NigeriaMFA) February 26, 2022
Nigerian students in Ukraine helping each other
According to the Premium Times, two Nigerians in Ukraine, Tolulope Osho, 31, and Akintunde Akinsanya, 32, are offering students commuter services, information services, accommodation arrangements and emergency currency exchange facilities for those who need help.
Living in Ternopil — only four hours from Budomierz-Hruszow on the Ukraine-Poland border and six hours away from Kyiv — Osho is providing shelter and emergency currency exchange services, while Akinsanya helps with navigation and transportation services.
“The people coming in need a place to stay, so I am doing this for them and my love for Nigeria,” Osho was quoted saying.
Flights from the Nigerian government
The Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister has also released a video on Twitter, stating that the government will help out with the evacuation of Nigerians, including Nigerian students in Ukraine, once airports reopen.
Find out about evacuation plans for Nigerians in Ukraine.
Also follow @NigeriaMFA https://t.co/mwtEKa2c34
— Government of Nigeria (@NigeriaGov) February 24, 2022
The Nigerian Foreign Affairs Ministry also reassured students, stating measures are “being undertaken to keep them safe and facilitate the evacuation of those who wish to leave”.
Nigerians who have arrived in Poland, Hungary and Romania will be documented for subsequent travel arrangements back to Nigeria, said reports.
Ukraine closed its airspace to civilian flights after Russia began military action in the country.
