The Federal Government has begun steps to evacuate Nigerians stranded in parts of the Middle East amid escalating tensions in the region.
Officials say arrangements are being finalised, including administrative processes and funding approvals, to ensure the safe return of affected citizens.
The move follows heightened insecurity triggered by recent missile and drone attacks linked to Iran, which have disrupted travel and raised safety concerns across several Gulf countries. The crisis intensified after coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran in late February.
Speaking on Monday, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed that preparations are ongoing. He explained that the government is working through necessary procedures while securing funds to commence the evacuation.
Nigerians in countries such as Iran, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar have been affected, with many facing flight cancellations and restricted movement.
Authorities say priority will be given to those in high-risk areas, particularly Iran and Israel, where conditions are more volatile. However, evacuating citizens from Iran poses logistical challenges, including transporting students to the Armenian border and meeting entry requirements.
The government is also exploring multiple evacuation options, including the possible use of Nigerian Air Force aircraft, although security concerns remain a major hurdle.
In Qatar, many stranded Nigerians are transit passengers whose journeys were disrupted. Officials report that airlines are providing assistance, and travel is gradually resuming. Qatar Airways has already restarted flights to Nigeria, including a Doha–Lagos service, raising hopes that affected passengers will return home soon. Some Nigerians have also been moved through flights to Cairo and Nairobi.
Meanwhile, authorities in the United Arab Emirates disclosed that several missiles and drones launched from Iran were intercepted earlier in March. The attacks resulted in casualties, with six people reported dead and over 140 injured, including a Nigerian who has since been treated and discharged.
Amid the crisis, Iran’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Gholamreza Raja, has expressed his country’s readiness to support evacuation efforts. He noted that Iran is cooperating with Nigerian authorities and that its land borders remain open for foreign nationals seeking to exit.
According to him, the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran is actively assisting citizens, many of whom are students or small business operators. He added that the number of Nigerians in Iran is uncertain due to unregistered residents and frequent movement for study and religious activities.
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safe return of all affected Nigerians as evacuation plans continue to unfold.
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