According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, more than 500 Nigerian nationals have registered for evacuation back to their home country with the Nigerian mission in Lebanon.
This was revealed on Sunday in Abuja by the ministry’s spokeswoman, Amb. Eche Abu-Obe.
He said that there are about 2,000 Nigerian nationals living in Lebanon, but despite the mission’s persuasiveness, the majority have not indicated a desire to go back home.
Abu-Obe asserted that the Federal Government had initiated evacuation procedures due to the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
“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.
“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.