The Federal Government on Monday announced that it is finalising administrative procedures and arranging the release of funds to evacuate Nigerians affected by the ongoing crisis in parts of the Middle East.
This move follows rising tensions in the region, sparked by missile and drone attacks linked to Iran, which have heightened security concerns across several Gulf countries. The situation escalated further after coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28.
Speaking to Coastalreporters, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed that evacuation plans are currently underway.
“The government is working out the necessary administrative details and the release of funds to commence evacuation,” he stated.
The development comes amid growing concerns over the safety of Nigerians stranded in countries such as Iran, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar, where the crisis has disrupted flights and travel plans.
Earlier, the ministry had identified Nigerians in the most vulnerable locations—particularly Iran and Israel—as its top priority, noting that evacuation efforts in those areas are more complex due to the security situation.
It explained that evacuating Nigerians from Iran presents logistical challenges, including moving stranded students from different universities to the Armenian border and meeting entry requirements set by Armenian authorities.
The government is also considering multiple evacuation options, including the possible deployment of Nigerian Air Force aircraft, although the volatile security environment continues to complicate flight operations.
Regarding Nigerians stranded in Qatar, the ministry noted that many are transit passengers affected by flight disruptions but are currently being accommodated by their respective airlines.
Providing an update, Ebienfa said Qatar Airways has resumed flights to Nigeria, with a flight already departing Doha for Lagos on Monday.
He added that within a few days, most Nigerians stranded due to disrupted transit flights are expected to return home. Some have also been rerouted through cities like Cairo, Egypt, and Nairobi, Kenya.
Meanwhile, authorities in the UAE confirmed that their air defence systems intercepted multiple ballistic missiles and drones launched from Iran on March 14. The Ministry of Defence described the incident as part of a broader wave of attacks linked to ongoing hostilities.
Reports indicate that six people were killed and over 140 others injured, including residents and foreign nationals from several countries.
Since the conflict began, UAE officials said their defence systems have intercepted hundreds of missiles and drones, with casualties recorded among nationals from numerous countries, including Nigeria.
Ebienfa also confirmed that a Nigerian injured during the attacks has received treatment and has been discharged.
In a related development, Iran’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Gholamreza Raja, expressed the country’s willingness to support Nigerian authorities in facilitating the safe departure of its citizens.
He stated that the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran has been actively assisting its nationals and maintaining communication with the Nigerian community.
Raja noted that Iran is ready to cooperate with relevant authorities to ease travel arrangements for Nigerians wishing to leave, adding that land borders with neighbouring countries remain open and are being used safely by foreign nationals.
According to him, several hundred Nigerians reside in Iran, many of whom are students enrolled in educational institutions, while others engage in small-scale business activities. However, he explained that the exact number remains uncertain due to incomplete embassy registrations.
Meanwhile, Emirates Airline has once again suspended all flights to and from Dubai, advising passengers not to proceed to the airport until further notice.
The airline said the decision followed directives from the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority amid heightened regional tensions. It added that operations would remain suspended until safety conditions improve.
This disruption has affected thousands of travellers, including Nigerians who depend on Dubai as a key international transit hub.
The suspension follows renewed hostilities in the region after US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which former US President Donald Trump described as a “major combat operation.”
As a result, several international airlines have either rerouted or cancelled flights passing through the affected airspace, causing widespread disruptions across global aviation.
Although Emirates had recently resumed limited operations on its Dubai–Lagos route earlier in March, many passengers are still dealing with unresolved ticket refunds from previous cancellations.
Travel agents report that numerous refund requests remain pending, leaving travellers uncertain about rescheduling or recovering their funds.
The ongoing disruptions have also impacted business activities tied to Dubai, a major destination for trade, tourism, and conferences. Several events have been cancelled or moved elsewhere, while affected travellers continue to seek refunds for unused tickets.
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