Federal Government Issues Notice to Nigerians in the Middle East

The Federal Government has declared its commitment to ensuring the safety of Nigerians currently residing in Iran and neighboring Gulf nations in light of recent military conflicts in the Middle East.

In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, noted that the government is actively observing the rapidly changing situation in the region. The government underscored that the welfare of Nigerian citizens living abroad is of utmost importance.

The Ministry has advised Nigerians in the affected regions to remain alert, limit their movements to essential trips only, and adhere strictly to the instructions provided by local security forces.

Furthermore, it urged citizens to avoid areas recognized as strategic, military, or governmental sites, as these regions might become points of conflict amid ongoing tensions.

“The Nigerian Embassy in Tehran and in the neighboring Gulf countries is on high alert to offer the necessary consular support and facilitate communication for our citizens,” the statement affirmed.

Nigerians have also been encouraged to depend on reliable sources for information and to refrain from disseminating or responding to unverified accounts on social media, emphasizing the significance of official channels for security updates.

This advisory specifically targets citizens in countries such as Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, advising them to maintain heightened awareness and to steer clear of large crowds or public protests until stability is restored.

In addition to immediate safety recommendations, the Federal Government has called for calm among the parties involved in the ongoing conflict.

“The Government of Nigeria urges all parties to de-escalate the current crisis and return to dialogue for the sake of global peace and coexistence,” the statement concluded.

The government reiterated its dedication to safeguarding Nigerians abroad and expressed support for dialogue and diplomatic resolutions to the disputes in the region.