The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has confirmed that the federal government is making arrangements to evacuate Nigerians living in Iran following the escalation of tensions in the Middle East. The move comes amid growing security concerns after reported military strikes involving the United States and Israel in the region. Authorities say they are closely watching developments while preparing contingency plans to protect Nigerian citizens abroad.
According to a statement released by the commission’s spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working alongside relevant government agencies to ensure proper safety measures are in place. He encouraged Nigerians living in affected countries to remain calm and follow official travel advisories issued by the ministry. He also urged citizens to keep in contact with Nigerian diplomatic missions and make use of the emergency contact numbers provided for assistance.
Balogun assured Nigerians that the government is not taking the situation lightly. He explained that officials are actively monitoring the conflict and will act quickly if evacuation becomes necessary. The main priority, he said, is to make sure that no Nigerian life is put at risk during the ongoing crisis.
The commission also responded to earlier reports suggesting that Nigerians in Iran had not reached out for help. Officials clarified that such claims were inaccurate. Instead, they confirmed that several Nigerians living in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran had contacted the commission to inquire about possible evacuation arrangements. The commission stated that it is receiving and recording these enquiries as part of its preparedness efforts, according to updates shared by Zoyols.
He added that while evacuation is not yet being carried out, the government is ready to activate the process if the security situation worsens. Nigerian authorities have continued to encourage citizens in the region to stay alert and maintain communication with official channels as the situation develops. The government has promised to continue prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of Nigerians living abroad during the crisis.
