Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has responded to a viral video depicting Nigerians pleading to be returned from Saudi Arabia.
Dabiri-Erewa revealed that the authenticity of the video is yet to be ascertained; while confirming that 600 Nigerians are currently awaiting deportation from the Muslim country.
The NIDCOM chief, who appeared on Channels Televisions flagship News At 10 late Friday; attributed the delay to the coronavirus pandemic; as both countries bickered over the responsibility of paying for COVID-19 tests.
While noting that the 600 are now set to be returned home by the end of January, Dabiri-Erewa urged Nigerians to shun illegal migration.
“I can’t confirm the video. But I know that we have 600 Nigerians that are illegal migrants, that would be leaving Saudi Arabia.
“Yesterday we were with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada, and other officials, and plans have already been made to get them home before the end of the month pending any unforeseen circumstances,” Dabiri-Erewa stated.
