The management of one of the hotels designated as accommodation for evacuated Nigerians from abroad in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic has denied being part of the arrangement.
Last week, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ferdinand Nwonye, in Abuja named Chida International; Bolingo Hotel; Apo Apartments; Royalty, Belvior and Barcelona Hotels as designated accommodations for quarantine purposes.
However, the management of Chida International Hotel, Abuja today said it was not part of the arrangement due to non-availability of space.
“It is pertinent to state that at present, Chida International, Abuja is not part of the arrangement to accommodate evacuated Nigerians from abroad, though we were contacted by the Ministry but could not proceed with the plan because of non-availability of space.
“At present, we have in-house guests that we had hoped would have checked out due to the easing of the lockdown, but majority who are longstanding clients have indicated their desire to continue to lodge due to our excellent in-house health protocol, therefore, could not proceed with the plan to host those returning to the country”, the management explained.
Chida further stated that it was willing to partner with the government in other areas in the fight against Covid-19, stressing that as a responsible and patriotic entity, it was mindful of its corporate and social responsibility to country and society.
“We however wish to state that Chida International has been contributing in the fight against Covid-19 in and around the communities we are located”, the hotel added.
