The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has confirmed that Nigerians residing in Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and Iran have begun reaching out for guidance on possible evacuation amid rising tensions in the Middle East, according to an official statement released on March 3, 2026 and signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun.
The Commission clarified that it never issued a claim saying there were no distress calls from Nigerians in the region.
The Commission further explained that, “On the contrary, the Commission has actually received calls from a few Nigerians in Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and Iran enquiring about preparations for evacuations when it becomes necessary.”
It added, “The attention of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has been drawn to a statement credited to the Commission spokesman, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, that there are no distress calls from Nigerians stranded in Middle East due to the ongoing crisis in the region. I never issued such statement.”
NIDCOM stressed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working with 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.”
The Commission reassured citizens abroad that the federal government “is monitoring the situation and would take necessary steps to ensure no Nigerian life is endangered.”
It urged Nigerians in the affected regions to remain calm and stay in touch with Nigerian diplomatic missions for updates and guidance. NIDCOM reiterated its commitment to protecting citizens abroad and said contingency measures would be activated should the security situation worsen.
