* We’re on top of the situation, minister Onyeama assures
The House of Representatives has requested the immediate evacuation of Nigerians in Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Thursday a military operation in Ukraine with explosions heard soon after across the country and its foreign minister warning that a “full-scale invasion” was underway.
Lawmakers are, however, concerned that there are several Nigerian students in Ukraine, who could be caught in the crossfire.
The motion was moved by Representative Ahmed Munir during plenary on Thursday.
But some lawmakers feared that it may be too late as the evacuation should have been done long ago.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, agreed with a lawmaker, Leke Abejide, to interact with the Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema to evacuate Nigerians from Ukraine by Monday, February 28.
The House Committee on Foreign Affairs was subsequently mandated to liaise with the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
Meanwhile, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, said on NTA that the Nigerian embassy in Kiev has been contacted to arrange those wishing to return home from other areas including Donestk and Luhensk.
The minister assured Nigerians that the ministry is following the event since the beginning, promising to do everything for the safety of Nigerians in Ukraine, particularly students.