FG: Many Nigerians unwilling to leave Lebanon amid conflict

The Federal Government says many Nigerians in Lebanon have expressed unwillingness to be evacuated amidst the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Eche Abu-Obe, disclosed this in Abuja on Sunday, October 6, 2024.

Abu-Obe said approximately 2,000 Nigerians reside in Lebanon, noting that many of them have not expressed willingness to return home despite persuasion from the mission.

He said over 500 Nigerian citizens have registered with the Nigerian mission in Lebanon for evacuation back to the country.

Abu-Obe stated that the federal government had initiated evacuation procedures due to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

He noted: “President Bola Tinubu’s administration prioritises the safety and well-being of Nigerian citizens, and emergency protocols have been activated to ensure their swift and safe evacuation.

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“The ministry is collaborating with relevant agencies, including the Presidency, National Emergency Management Agency, and Nigerian Immigration Service, to coordinate the evacuation exercise.

“The Nigerian Embassy in Beirut has issued advisories urging citizens to stay indoors and follow local authorities’ instructions.”

Abu-Obe appealed to unregistered citizens to contact the embassy via email (info@mfa.gov.ng) and warned against resisting evacuation due to the escalating conflict.

He commended the Nigerian community’s understanding and assured continued government monitoring of the situation.

The Star