The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, based in Abuja, has told its citizens living in troubled Lebanon to think about coming back home. The government has plans to help people leave, and there are still commercial flights operating.
This was shared in an announcement posted on the ministry’s X page on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
The notice titled “URGENT EVACUATION OF NIGERIANS IN LEBANON DUE TO THE ISRAEL-HEZBOLLAH CONFLICT,” explained that, because things are getting worse in Lebanon due to the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, the government is getting ready to bring Nigerians back home safely.
Important Notice
In a message signed by Amb. Eche Abu-Obe, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on October 4, 2024, it was mentioned that Nigerians have two travel options.
“The Government of Nigeria is doing everything it can to make sure Nigerians in Lebanon are safe,” she said.
“Our Embassy in Lebanon has been advising Nigerians on what to do to stay safe. Back in August 2024, they told Nigerians to really think about leaving Lebanon while they still can catch commercial flights.”
She also mentioned that people near the fighting in southern Lebanon have been moved to safer places like Beirut, with help from Nigerian leaders there.
She assured that no Nigerians have been hurt in the conflict so far.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wants Nigerians to know that they are working with other groups to make sure everyone is safe and can return home without problems.
Background Information
More and more people are worried because things are getting unsafe in Lebanon. The fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has a long history and has started again, making life hard in southern Lebanon and nearby places. Hezbollah is a group in Lebanon that sometimes fights with Israel, which can put Lebanon into bigger troubles in the Middle East.
Lately, the fighting has become worse, with rockets and airstrikes hitting places where people live. This has made many people fear that more parts of the region could be affected. Lebanon is having a tough time with money problems and shaky politics, and this violence makes things even tougher. Many foreigners are concerned, including the thousands of Nigerians in Lebanon who may not be in strong positions because of Lebanon’s financial issues.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) is also advising Nigerians in Lebanon to come back home because the violence is getting worse.