FG confirms Hungary, Romania issuing visa-free access to Nigerians fleeing Ukraine

Geoffrey Onyeama Nigeria Minister of Foreign Affairs

Nigerians fleeing the crisis in Ukraine can enter Hungary and Romania for refuge, the Federal Government said on Sunday.

The ministry of foreign affairs in a statement signed by its permanent secretary Gabriel Aduda said Hungarian and Romanian governments have approved visa-free access to all Nigerians coming from Ukraine, adding that arrangements have been made for accommodation and feeding.

The ministry stated that the minister of foreign affairs Geoffrey Onyeama had been engaging with his Ukrainian counterpart to alleviate the suffering of stranded Nigerians.

“The ministry of foreign affairs is fully abreast of all the challenges Nigerians crossing into countries bordering Ukraine, especially the Polish border, are facing and we are taking adequate measures to assuage these challenges,” the statement said.

“The minister of foreign affairs has spoken with his counterpart, the Foreign Minister of Ukraine on these unsavoury development.

“And both are working on alleviating the suffering of Nigerians including deploying the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to the border to ensure easier access to all Nigerians and other nationals.

“For now, movement to the Hungarian Zahony border and Romanian Suceava, Tulcea, Satu Mare County & Maramures borders is advised.

“As they have approved visa-free access to all Nigerians coming from Ukraine and arrangements for accommodation and feeding before evacuation is arranged.”

The statement added that parents, guardians and wards of Nigerians in Ukraine are to remain calm amid plans by the Federal Government to get them all home safely.