The Federal Government says it is finalising arrangements and releasing funds to evacuate Nigerians affected by the ongoing crisis in parts of the Middle East.
The tensions escalated following missile and drone attacks linked to Iran, compounded by US and Israeli military strikes on February 28. Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said the government is completing administrative processes and funding before commencing evacuation.
Evacuations are particularly complex in Iran, where stranded Nigerian students are being moved to the Armenian border while meeting entry requirements. Officials are exploring the use of Nigerian Air Force aircraft, although volatile security conditions have complicated flight plans.
Many Nigerians stranded in Qatar were mainly transit passengers affected by disrupted flights. Ebienfa noted that Qatar Airways has resumed flights, and several stranded citizens have returned via Cairo and Nairobi. A Nigerian injured in the attacks has already been treated and discharged.
The UAE confirmed its air defence systems intercepted multiple missiles and drones from Iran on March 14, with six people killed and over 140 injured, including foreign nationals from several countries.
Meanwhile, Iran has pledged support for the safe departure of Nigerians. Iranian Ambassador to Nigeria, Gholamreza Raja, said the country is cooperating with Nigerian authorities, keeping land borders open, and assisting citizens, many of whom are students or engaged in small-scale trade. The exact number of Nigerians in Iran remains uncertain.