The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) says the Federal Government is taking steps to ensure the safety of Nigerians living in the Middle East amid rising tensions in the region.
NiDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, gave the assurance in a statement issued on Tuesday.
According to the commission, Nigerian authorities are closely monitoring developments and have received enquiries from Nigerians residing in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran regarding possible evacuation plans should the situation worsen.
“The fact of the matter is that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working with all relevant agencies for appropriate steps, while appealing to Nigerians in the affected countries to follow the travel advice as issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and contact the emergency numbers provided by the ministry,” the statement read in part.
NiDCOM assured Nigerians abroad that the Federal Government remains committed to protecting lives and would act when necessary.
“Nigerians in affected countries should be rest assured that the federal government is monitoring the situation and will take necessary steps to ensure no Nigerian life is endangered,” the commission said.
On Saturday, the Federal Government had advised Nigerians in the Middle East, particularly those in Iran, to take heightened security precautions following increased regional tensions.
In a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigerians were urged to remain vigilant and avoid high-risk locations.
“All Nigerians in Iran and affected Gulf countries are advised to remain extremely vigilant and conscious of their surroundings at all times,” the ministry said.
“Avoid areas known to be strategic, military, or government installations, as these could be potential flashpoints.”
The ministry reiterated that the protection of Nigerian citizens abroad remains a top priority, while also calling on parties involved in the conflict to de-escalate tensions.
The advisory followed reported military strikes launched by the United States and Israel on Iran in the early hours of Saturday, with subsequent retaliatory actions affecting parts of the Gulf region.
