Over 7,000 nationals, including Nigerians, are currently stranded at the Egyptian border after being denied entry into the country. The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has called on those concerned with passages and movement of persons and services along contiguous borders of Sudan to create humane conditions for the nationals to have unfettered access to their various destinations.
In a statement issued on Friday, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NIDCOM, said that the Nigerian mission in Egypt has been working tirelessly on the issue. However, the Egyptian authorities are insisting on visas for fellow Africans to transit back to their countries, resulting in the nationals being denied entry.
Dabiri-Erewa appealed to the Egyptian authorities to kindly allow the already traumatised travellers to transit to their final destinations in various countries in Africa. The situation is causing immense stress for the stranded nationals, who are eager to complete their journeys and return to their homes and families.
This incident highlights the need for improved border policies and procedures across Africa to ensure that individuals are not subject to such traumatic experiences while travelling. It is hoped that the authorities will take swift action to resolve the situation and enable the affected nationals to continue their journeys without further delay.