- The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has denied claims that no distress calls were received from Nigerians in the Middle East
- The Commission confirmed receiving enquiries from Nigerians in Qatar, UAE, and Iran about possible evacuation plans.
- Over 560 Nigerian travellers stranded as airspace closures disrupt flights
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has refuted reports suggesting it claimed that no distress calls had been received from Nigerians stranded in the Middle East amid rising regional tensions.
In a statement posted on Tuesday, March 3, via its official X handle, the Commission clarified that it had, in fact, received enquiries from Nigerians abroad about possible evacuation arrangements.
The statement was signed by the Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abuja, Abdur-Rahman Balogun.
“The attention of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has been drawn to a statement credited to the Commission Spokesman, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, that there are no distress calls from Nigerians stranded in the Middle East due to the ongoing crisis in the region. I never issued such a statement,” the statement read.
Balogun explained that contrary to the circulating claim, the Commission had been contacted by some Nigerians in the Gulf and Iran seeking information about evacuation plans.
“On the contrary, the Commission has actually received calls from a few Nigerians in Qatar, UAE, and Iran enquiring about preparations for evacuations when it becomes necessary,” he stated.
The clarification follows heightened tensions in the Middle East after military strikes reportedly carried out on February 28, 2026, by the United States and Israel in Iran.
The situation escalated further after Iranian state media confirmed on March 1 that Ali Khamenei had been killed, leading to a declaration of 40 days of mourning and a seven-day national holiday.
Amid the crisis, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) announced disruptions to flights bound for several Middle Eastern destinations due to widespread airspace closures.
The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a security advisory to Nigerians living in Iran and neighbouring Gulf countries, urging them to exercise caution.
At least 560 passengers travelling from Nigeria have reportedly been stranded as a result of the airspace shutdowns across parts of the region.
Many of the affected travellers had already checked in with their luggage and arrived at airports for international departures before operations were suddenly suspended.
Some of the passengers were scheduled to travel via Middle Eastern hubs on Qatar Airways and Emirates before flights were halted.
Responding to safety concerns, NIDCOM reiterated that the Federal Government is closely monitoring the unfolding developments and working with relevant authorities to safeguard Nigerians abroad.
“The fact of the matter is that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working with all 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 by the ministry,” the statement said.
It added: “Nigerians in affected countries should be assured that the federal government is monitoring the situation and would take necessary steps to ensure no Nigerian life is endangered.”