The Federal Government has confirmed that it is finalizing administrative procedures and releasing funds to evacuate Nigerians affected by the escalating crisis in parts of the Middle East. The move comes as tensions rise following missile and drone attacks linked to Iran, which have heightened security concerns across several Gulf nations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, told reporters on Monday that arrangements for evacuation are ongoing. “The government is working out the necessary administrative details and the release of funds to commence evacuation,” he said.
The priority is to ensure the safety of Nigerians stranded in countries such as Iran, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar, where disrupted flights and volatile conditions have made travel risky. Evacuation from Iran poses particular challenges, including transporting students from universities to the Armenian border and meeting entry requirements set by Armenian authorities. Nigerian Air Force aircraft are being considered to assist, although security risks complicate the logistics.
Ebienfa added that Qatar Airways has resumed flights to Nigeria, with a flight from Doha arriving in Lagos on Monday. Other evacuation options include flights via Cairo, Egypt, and Nairobi, Kenya, to bring stranded Nigerians home.
Meanwhile, the Iranian Ambassador to Nigeria, Gholamreza Raja, assured that the Iranian government is willing to cooperate with Nigerian authorities to facilitate safe departures. He confirmed that Iran’s land borders with neighbouring countries remain open for travel and that several hundred Nigerians, mostly students and small-scale traders, are currently residing in Iran.
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The crisis has already caused casualties in the UAE, where air defence systems intercepted multiple ballistic missiles and drones launched from Iran. Six people were killed and more than 140 injured since the conflict began.
In the aviation sector, Emirates Airline has temporarily suspended all flights to and from Dubai, following guidance from Dubai’s Civil Aviation Authority. Passengers have been advised to avoid the airport until operations resume, adding uncertainty for thousands, including Nigerians using Dubai as a transit hub.
Ebienfa confirmed that one Nigerian injured in the attacks has been treated and discharged, while the government continues to work with international partners to ensure the safe evacuation of those affected.
