The Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced evacuation procedures for Nigerian citizens living in Lebanon, following the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
In a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry recently, stated that the Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu’s Government committed to the safety and wellbeing of its citizens, while making it the top priority.
According to the statement, “In 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, Dept of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, Nigerian Immigration Service.
“Also, the 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, also appeal to those who have not registered with the Embassy, to do so through Email: info@mfa.gov.ng”.
FG revealed that presently, about 500 Nigerians have registered with the county’s Mission, however, while stated that there are more than 2000 Nigeria citizens residing in the country.
“Even though most of them have not indicated willingness to return home inspites of the persuasion by our embassy, we will continue to do everything to ensure safety of our citizens”, the Government assured.
The federal government pleased to report that no life has been lost. “In view of the commendation effort made by the embassy, working in concert of the leadership of the Nigerian community to evacuate from southern Lebanon the epicenter of the conflict to Beirut”.
It stated further that the administration of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is committed to wellbeing of the citizens has already made arrangement to send a C-130 aircraft or any other available flight for the evacuation exercise.
The Nigerian government urged all citizens living in Lebanon not to resist evacuation because the ongoing conflict may escalate and appealed for cooperation with the evacuation process.
The Federal Government also appealed to citizens to follow safety guidelines, while appreciates the remarkable understanding of the international community and vowed to continue to monitor the situation.
