The Federal Government has revealed that a majority of Nigerians living in Lebanon are unwilling to return home, despite the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
Out of over 2,000 Nigerians residing in Lebanon, only 500 have registered for evacuation with the Nigerian Embassy in Beirut.
In a statement released on Saturday, October 5, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted the embassy’s efforts to persuade citizens to return home, stressing that the embassy has issued several advisories urging them to remain indoors and follow local authorities’ instructions.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Presidency, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), and Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), is coordinating the evacuation exercise to ensure the safe return of Nigerians from Lebanon,” the statement said.
Despite the embassy's efforts, most Nigerians have shown reluctance to return home, the Ministry noted.
However, they assured that the Nigerian government will continue to prioritize the safety of its citizens in Lebanon.
The government is planning to send a C-130 aircraft or another available flight to assist with the evacuation.
President Bola Tinubu’s administration is also working with the Nigerian community in Lebanon to evacuate citizens from southern Lebanon, the epicenter of the conflict, to Beirut. Fortunately, no Nigerian casualties have been reported.
The Ministry continues to encourage those yet to register to do so through the provided email: info@mfa.gov.ng.