The federal government has donated the sum of RMB 235,000 to Nigerians living in China especially in Wuhan, the epicentre of the Coronavirus outbreak and its environs.
The Nigerian Ambassador to China, Amb. Baba Ahmad-Jidda, made the disclosure in a statement on Monday.
The statement noted that the gesture was meant to ameliorate the situation of Nigerians in Wuhan and “provide them with the needed personal protection equipment”.
According to the statement, the money would be disbursed by the embassy through the leadership of the Association of Nigerian Students in Wuhan.
“It is hoped that the assistance will go a long way in ameliorating the situation of Nigerians in Wuhan and provide them with the needed personal protection equipment, to complement what the Chinese authorities have already been doing,” the statement said.
While noting that no Nigerian has been infected with the virus, the embassy assured Nigerians in China especially those in Wuhan that their concerns and requests for evacuation have been conveyed to the Federal Government.
The statement, however, disclosed that the issue of evacuation would not be possible in a short time frame, saying that doing so requires a lot of logistics and preparation both in China and Nigeria which requires adequate arrangement, time and resources.
“Taking cognizance of the position and guidelines provided by the Chinese Government on evacuation as well as the announcements by the WHO, Nigerians are requested to remain assured that the Federal Government of Nigeria is very much concerned and abreast of the matter and will act as always, in the best interest of Nigerians.
“At this juncture, it is with a deep sense of responsibility that the Embassy wants to assuage the anxieties and concerns of parents and relatives of all Nigerians in China.
“The embassy shares these feelings and concerns for their loved ones and wishes to state that it is working with the Chinese Government to ensure the safety of everyone,” the statement added.
The embassy, therefore, assured Nigerians of its continued commitment to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all Nigerians in China.
“You are therefore advised to continue to maintain regular contact with the Embassy of Nigeria in Beijing and the Consulates General of Nigeria in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Guangzhou,” the statement said.