The Nigerian government has voiced its concern regarding the reluctance of many Nigerians in Lebanon to return home amid the intensifying conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that only about 500 Nigerians have registered for evacuation, despite more than 2,000 currently living in Lebanon. “Although many have not expressed a desire to return despite our embassy’s efforts to encourage them, we will persist in our efforts to ensure the safety of our citizens,” Abu-Obe said.
The ministry emphasized the need for cooperation in the evacuation process, urging Nigerians in Lebanon not to resist evacuation, as the conflict could worsen. The government has initiated emergency protocols to prioritize citizen safety, working with various agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency, the Department of State Services, and the Nigerian Immigration Service, to facilitate a smooth evacuation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that the Nigerian Embassy in Beirut is actively advising citizens to stay indoors and heed local authorities’ guidance. It also encouraged those who have yet to register with the embassy to do so immediately through the provided email.
The statement noted that no Nigerian lives have been lost in the conflict thus far.
Plans are underway to deploy a C-130 aircraft or other available flights to aid in the evacuation from Beirut, where many Nigerians have moved from southern Lebanon, the conflict’s epicenter.
The Nigerian government expressed gratitude to the international community for their support and pledged to continue closely monitoring the situation.
