20,000 Nigerians Seek Medical Help In India Yearly, Yet No Direct Flights- High Commissioner

The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ajjampur Ghanashyam
has said about 40,000 Nigerians travel to India yearly, with 50% of them going
for medical treatments, while the remaining 50% go for business, training,
tourism or to study in the country. He says sadly however, it has been a sad
situation that there are no direct flights from Nigeria to India, except when passengers
connect flights in Addis Ababa, South Africa or Dubai, to get to their
destination- India.

He says they have however started working with relevant
Nigerian authorities to ensure there are direct flights soon, in other to save people
who need to be flown to India urgently for medical treatments among other
things. His words;

“Presently, there are no direct flights between Nigeria and
India, travellers are currently forced to connect flights in Addis Ababa, South
Africa or Dubai.

“Direct flights between Nigeria and India will boost
business, tourism, save passengers flight time and reduce the stress of the
journey.

“Also, direct movement of patients during emergencies could
save a lot of lives; so direct flights are important during medical
emergencies,” he said.