CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
The Consul General of the Republic of Lebanon in Lagos, His Excellency Mansour Chaya, has pledged to strengthen cooperation between the Lebanese Consulate and the Nigeria Police Force, particularly in the area of security and law enforcement.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that Mr. Chaya made the pledge during a courtesy visit to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, AIG Simeon U. Akpanudom, at the department’s office in Alagbon, Ikoyi.
During the meeting, the Consul General highlighted the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and Lebanon. He noted that a large number of Lebanese nationals reside and conduct business in Nigeria, with many having become Nigerian citizens over generations of residence and integration.
According to Chaya, members of the Lebanese community continue to contribute significantly to business and economic activities across the country. He said the consulate remains committed to supporting institutions that promote peace and security in Nigeria.
The Consul General also assured that the Lebanese Consulate would be willing to support initiatives of the Nigeria Police Force. He added that the consulate could facilitate visa requests for Police officers where necessary, in line with the growing relationship between both institutions.
Chaya disclosed that a formal official visit would be scheduled and communicated to the AIG to further consolidate and expedite cooperation between the Force and the Lebanese Consulate.
In his response, AIG Simeon U. Akpanudom welcomed the Consul General and expressed appreciation for the visit. He introduced members of his leadership team present at the meeting and reaffirmed the importance of sustained collaboration with foreign missions.
The AIG said the engagement aligns with the mission of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to strengthen partnerships that enhance policing and criminal investigations. He stated that the FCID Annex, Lagos, is ready to work closely with the Lebanese Consulate to facilitate investigations.
Akpanudom explained that the FCID Annex plays a vital role in handling complex criminal investigations across the country. He sought cooperation in ensuring speedy investigation of cases involving Lebanese citizens, noting that existing collaboration between both countries through INTERPOL provides a useful framework.
Both parties expressed willingness to deepen cooperation and formalize institutional ties through an appropriate legal framework. They said such an arrangement would enhance mutual legal assistance between Nigeria and Lebanon, given their long-standing bilateral relationship.
The visit ended with both sides reaffirming their commitment to maintaining open channels of communication for security and investigative matters.