The Federal Government has announced plans to evacuate Nigerians affected by the escalating crisis in parts of the Middle East, as tensions continue to rise following recent military actions.
The development comes after coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28, which triggered retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the region.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed on Monday that the government is currently working on administrative procedures and the release of funds to commence the evacuation process.
“The government is working out the necessary administrative details and the release of funds to commence evacuation,” he said.
The move follows growing concerns over the safety of Nigerians stranded in countries such as Iran, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar, where hostilities have disrupted flights and travel arrangements.
The ministry had earlier indicated that priority would be given to Nigerians in high-risk areas, particularly those in Iran and Israel, where security challenges and logistical hurdles have complicated evacuation efforts. Authorities noted that evacuating citizens from Iran would involve transporting stranded individuals, including students, to the Armenian border while meeting entry requirements set by Armenian authorities.
Officials also disclosed that the government is exploring multiple evacuation options, including the possible deployment of aircraft from the Nigerian Air Force, although the volatile security environment has made flight operations difficult.
Meanwhile, some progress has been recorded for Nigerians stranded in transit. According to Ebienfa, Qatar Airways has resumed flights to Nigeria, with a flight departing Doha for Lagos on Monday. He added that affected transit passengers would return home in the coming days, alongside others routed through Cairo, Egypt, and Nairobi, Kenya.
The crisis has intensified following reports from the UAE Ministry of Defence that its air defence systems intercepted multiple missiles and drones launched from Iran. Authorities disclosed that several casualties were recorded, including residents and foreign workers from different countries.
Despite the situation, the Ambassador of Iran to Nigeria, Gholamreza Raja, has assured that his government is willing to cooperate with Nigerian authorities to facilitate the safe departure of Nigerians.
According to him, Iran’s land borders with neighbouring countries remain open and are currently being used by foreign nationals for travel, while the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran continues to support citizens and maintain communication with the Nigerian community.
He stated that the Iranian government remains committed to the safety and welfare of foreign nationals and is ready to assist Nigerians who wish to leave the country.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safe return of all affected Nigerians as efforts to coordinate evacuation logistics continue.
