The Federal Government has initiated plans for the evacuation of Nigerians residing in Lebanon who wish to return home due to the ongoing crisis in the country. This move comes in response to escalating violence and instability in Lebanon, which has left many Nigerians stranded and seeking a safe return.
According to a statement released by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Friday, the government convened a multi-stakeholder meeting to assess the situation and gather reports on the condition of Nigerians in Lebanon. The meeting involved various agencies that are working together to ensure the success of the evacuation exercise, and the Federal Government is taking all necessary steps to facilitate the safe return of its citizens.
The crisis in Lebanon has intensified significantly. In September 2024, large-scale cross-border attacks dramatically escalated, leading to over 1,000 deaths and 6,352 injuries within just two weeks, according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). This has brought the total death toll to more than 1,800 and the number of injured to 9,100 since October 2023.
IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix, as of September 30, 2024, identified 346,209 internally displaced persons, including more than 31,000 families (137,000 individuals) living in 820 collective shelters. In addition, more than 175,000 Lebanese and Syrians have fled to neighboring Syria, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
NEMA confirmed that it is coordinating the evacuation process and has already begun mobilizing Nigerian citizens in Lebanon for their safe return. The agency assured that once all logistical requirements are in place, the evacuation will be swiftly executed, ensuring the safety and well-being of the evacuees.
