The Chinese Medical team that came into Nigeria amidst much controversy is reportedly still in the country. This is according to the Chinese Embassy and the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).
The Nigerian Government had previously suggested that the Chinese medical team had been sent back to China, according to the ministry of foreign affairs.
Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde had also shared a picture of her husband, Matthew Ekeinde, in an aircraft with the Chinese people, supposedly flying them back.
Osagie Ehanire who is the Minister of Health had also said the medical personnel are not guests of the federal government but CCECC, a construction company. He had also said the medical team came to the country to share their medical expertise in fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic in their own country.
The Chinese company, CCECC said the Chinese medical team was here to help its company prevent the outbreak among the staffs, as well as giving advice to the Nigerian government, as part of its contribution to help the country in their fight against the pandemic.
A spokesperson in the Chinese embassy said, “It is untrue that they have left Nigeria. Their coming to the country was to assist the CCECC to prevent the pandemic outbreak in the company and also to extend their hands to Nigeria in experience sharing and management of COVID-19 pandemic,”
Mr Lian Jianfeng, The Executive Director of CCECC said the Chinese medical team was still in the country, and awaiting the reopening of commercial flights out of the country before they can go back to China. He also pointed out that some chinese were evacuated.
Mr Lian said, “The flight organised by Chinese government was for the special group: aged below 14 or above 60 and some other particular people. The numbers were limited. And the flight departed from Lagos,”