The Nigerian government has observed that many Nigerians in Lebanon are unwilling to return home amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
This was communicated in a statement by Amb. Eche Abu-Obe, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement on Saturday.
Speaking on the efforts of the government to evacuate citizens from Lebanon, Abu-Obe, said, “Presently, about 500 Nigerians have registered with the Mission, however, there are more than 2000 Nigeria citizens residing in the country.
“Even though most of them have not indicated willingness to return home in spite of the persuasion by our Embassy, we will continue to do everything to ensure the safety of our citizens.”
The ministry urged Nigerians not to “resist” evacuation, saying, “The Nigerian government urges all citizens living In Lebanon not to resist evacuation because the ongoing conflict may escalate and appeals for cooperation with the evacuation process and follow safety guidelines. Nigeria appreciates the understanding of the international community and will continue to monitor the situation.”
It further stated, “Further to the last statement issued on the evacuation of Nigerians from Lebanon, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to elucidate on the information contained therein.
“In this connection, the Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced evacuation procedures for Nigerian citizens living in Lebanon, following the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
“The Administration of HE Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, wishes to reiterate that the safety and well- being of its citizens remains its top priority. In the light of the deteriorating security situation in Lebanon, Government has activated emergency protocols to ensure the swift and safe evacuation of our citizens back home as soon as possible.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Presidency, National Emergency Management Agency, Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and other relevant bodies, is coordinating the evacuation exercise to ensure the safe return of Nigerians from Lebanon.
“Our Embassy in Beirut has been issuing several advisories since the conflict started for our citizens to stay indoors and follow local authorities’ instruction as well as appeal to those who have not registered with the Embassy, to do so through Email: [email protected].”
The ministry said it was “pleased to report that no life has been lost”.
It said, “In view of the commendable efforts made by the Embassy, working in concert with the leadership of the Nigerian community to evacuate fellow Nigerians from southern Lebanon the epicenter of the conflict to Beirut, the Administration of President Tinubu is making arrangements to send a C- 130 Aircraft or any other available flight for the evacuation exercise.
“The Nigerian government urges all citizens living In Lebanon not to resist evacuation because the ongoing conflict may escalate and appeals for cooperation with the evacuation process and follow safety guidelines. Nigeria appreciates the understanding of the international community and will continue to monitor the situation.”
