By Ebi Kesiena
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has refuted reports claiming that no Nigerians affected by the escalating Middle East crisis have reached out to authorities, clarifying that several citizens in the region have already made enquiries regarding possible evacuation plans.
In a statement issued by the Commission’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, NIDCOM described as false a circulating report allegedly attributed to its spokesman suggesting that no distress calls had been received from Nigerians stranded in the region.
Balogun stated that he never issued such a claim, stressing instead that the Commission has received communications from Nigerians residing in countries including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran. According to him, the calls were largely enquiries about contingency arrangements and evacuation procedures should the security situation worsen.
He explained that the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively coordinating with relevant government agencies to assess developments and prepare appropriate responses if evacuation becomes necessary.
The Commission urged Nigerians living in affected countries to strictly comply with travel advisories issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and to maintain contact through the emergency numbers already provided by Nigerian diplomatic missions.
NIDCOM further reassured citizens that the Federal Government is closely monitoring the evolving crisis and remains committed to safeguarding Nigerian lives and interests abroad.
The clarification comes amid heightened tensions across parts of the Middle East, which have raised safety concerns among foreign nationals, including members of Nigeria’s diaspora community in the region.
