CAF’s Fine: Nigerians In Libya Are Safe – FG Assures
The Federal Government of Nigerian on Monday, November 4, 2024, declared that Nigerians living in Libya are safe and unaffected by recent reports of mass arrests.
The Nigerian government position was contained in a statement by Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs which stated that Nigerians residing in Libya are continuing their daily activities undisturbed.
The Foreign Affairs ministry stressed that protecting Nigerians abroad remains a priority as well as ensuring their safety and well-being in every country.
The assurance followed reports that the Libyan authorities were cracking down on undocumented foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians, as a result of the recent Confederation of African Football (CAF) ruling in favor of Nigeria and against Libya.
The statement said; “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to convey that, as of the time of making this statement, Nigerians in Libya are going about their daily activities, devoid of any form of harassment”.
Information making the waves had alleged that the Libyan authorities had vowed that Nigerians would be made to cough out the $50,000 fine imposed by CAF against it.
The CAF verdict was issued in response to a formal complaint by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), which cited the mistreatment of the Super Eagles during a recent visit to Libya. Accordingly, CAF after carrying out investigation, awarded Nigeria a 3-0 win and fined Libya $50,000.
Following the development, local Libyan media sources reported that the CAF ruling fueled calls for stricter immigration controls, targeting undocumented foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians, who work in Libya without proper documentation.
However, while reaffirming its commitment, the Nigerian government said the well-being of Nigerian citizens anywhere in the world is a top priority of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and we will continue to strive to safeguard it at all times.
The Federal Government’s assurance is aimed at calming concerns as well as provide support for Nigerians in Libya during this period of heightened tension.
