Since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the focus of concerned citizens has been the plight of Nigerians in Ukraine.
The stories and pictures of Nigerian students and others trekking very long distances from Ukraine to the country’s border with Hungary, Romania where they hope to secure asylum, have accentuated the anxiety of the average Nigerian.
However, Mr Femi Ajulo, the lead consultant at Michelle and Anthony Consulting, a pioneer overseas education consultancy outfit, opines that Nigerians in Russia may soon need as much help as their compatriots in Ukraine.
This is on account of the consequences of the sanctions that are being imposed on Russia by the US, Canada, the UK and other members of the European Union.
On Monday, the Nigerian government said once the United Nations provided the needed leadership, it is ready to join in the fray of sanctions against Russia.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, was quoted as saying, “On imposing sanctions, this is going to be a collective action. The United Nations has to act.”
“We are going to act and engage within the framework of the United Nations. So if the United Nations adopts and imposes sanctions against Russia, we will comply with the UN’s resolution.”
Ajulo is of the view that while the focus has been on Nigerians who are stranded in Ukraine, the Nigerian students in Russia would soon be in for a very tough time.
He said: “I sent over 3,000 students to Kursk State Medical University over some time. Their education is one of the best. Russia is safe but the Nigerian students will start having problems because of the financial system that is being cut. They will not be able to buy food and all that.
“The Nigerian government should be proactive. The sanctions by western countries will start affecting them. Their cards will not work, and they might not be able to buy food.”
“Good that the Russian ruble has dropped. That might be an advantage for them. If the war persists and sanctions continue, most of the Nigerian students in Russia will start having issues.”
