The Federal Government has announced plans to begin the evacuation of its citizens from Lebanon due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
However, despite the deteriorating security situation, many Nigerians in Lebanon have expressed reluctance to return home.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government confirmed that it has activated emergency protocols to ensure the safe evacuation of Nigerians. “In light of the deteriorating security situation in Lebanon, the Government has activated emergency protocols to ensure the swift and safe evacuation of our citizens back home as soon as possible,” said ministry spokesperson Eche Abu-Obe on Saturday.
The ministry disclosed that approximately 500 Nigerians have registered with the Nigerian Embassy in Beirut for evacuation, but noted that there are over 2,000 Nigerian citizens residing in Lebanon, many of whom have not shown interest in leaving despite efforts by the Embassy to persuade them. “Even though most of them have not indicated a 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 statement added.
The government is working closely with several agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Nigerian Immigration Service, and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, to facilitate the evacuation.
“The Ministry is pleased to report that no life has been lost. 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 Bola Ahmed Tinubu is making arrangements to send a C-130 aircraft or any other available flight for the evacuation exercise,” the statement noted.
While the government urges all Nigerian citizens in Lebanon to cooperate with the evacuation efforts, it also appeals for their compliance with safety advisories, emphasizing that the conflict may escalate. Nigerians are encouraged to register with the Embassy and follow local safety guidelines.
The Ministry reiterated that the safety and well-being of Nigerian citizens remains a top priority for President Tinubu’s administration.
