By momodu favour
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has assured Nigerians that the Federal Government is closely monitoring the escalating tensions in the Middle East and will take all necessary measures to safeguard its citizens in the region.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, NiDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said the government was working through relevant agencies to ensure that no Nigerian life is put at risk amid the unfolding crisis.
According to him, Nigerian authorities have received enquiries from citizens residing in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Iran regarding possible evacuation plans should the security situation deteriorate.
“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 said.
Balogun stressed that Nigerians living in the affected countries should remain calm and vigilant, assuring them that the Federal Government is prepared to act swiftly if the need for evacuation arises.
“Nigerians in affected countries should rest assured that the Federal Government is monitoring the situation and will take necessary steps to ensure no Nigerian life is endangered,” he added.
Over the weekend, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a travel advisory urging Nigerians in the Middle East, particularly those in Iran, to exercise heightened caution following renewed hostilities in the region.
“All Nigerians in Iran and affected Gulf countries are advised to remain extremely vigilant and conscious of their surroundings at all times,” the ministry stated.
It further warned citizens to avoid areas considered strategic, including military and government installations, which could become flashpoints amid the conflict.
The advisory followed reports that the United States and Israel carried out coordinated strikes on Iran in the early hours of Saturday. Iranian authorities subsequently retaliated, with reports of strikes extending to parts of the Gulf region, raising fears of a broader regional escalation.
While no Nigerian casualties have been reported as of press time, the Federal Government reiterated that the safety and well-being of Nigerians abroad remains its top priority.
The government also called on all parties involved in the conflict to pursue dialogue and de-escalate tensions in the interest of regional and global stability.
