By Ebi Kesiena
The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran, has assured the public that all Nigerians residing in Iran are safe and accounted for, following recent security concerns in the region.
There have been no reported cases of death or injury involving any Nigerian citizen in Iran.
The Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Abuja, Nigeria, reiterated the Government’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians abroad.
“We remain committed to the safety and well-being of all Nigerians in the diaspora. The situation in Iran underscores the need for proactive engagement and a strong support system,” she said.
Dabiri-Erewa commended the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran for their swift and coordinated response.
She urged all Nigerians living abroad to register with the embassies for effective communication and support.
For operational reasons, the Nigerian Embassy was temporarily relocated to Armenia to ensure uninterrupted consular services.
Meanwhile, Nigerian nationals in Iran moved to safer locations in the north, including Shomal, Qom, and Gazvin, which were designated as muster points for possible evacuation.
A representative of the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran confirmed that these steps were precautionary and effective.
“Normalcy has returned to these areas, and we are pleased to report that Nigerians in Iran remain safe. There are no confirmed casualties or injuries,” the Embassy noted.
In response to a viral video circulating online featuring a Nigerian man making unverified claims, both NiDCOM and the Embassy have provided clarification, explaining that the individual in the video had been previously imprisoned in Iran for human trafficking and allegedly using fellow Nigerians as collateral in drug-related activities.
The Nigerian Embassy secured his release on humanitarian grounds, despite a standing deportation order issued over six months ago.
The individual, however, declined to leave Iran until the recent developments.
“Our responsibility is to all Nigerians, regardless of their situation. While we do not condone unlawful acts, we intervened in the spirit of national duty. This further emphasises why every Nigerian abroad must register with the nearest Nigerian mission. It enables us to assist effectively, especially during emergencies,” the Embassy stated.
NiDCOM and the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran continue to work collaboratively to monitor the situation and support Nigerian citizens abroad.
