- NiDCOM: Nigerians in Iran Safe, Viral Video False
- Dabiri Erewa urged Nigerians overseas to register with their embassies
- “The situation in Iran underscores the importance of proactive engagement and strong support systems.”
The federal government has dismissed a viral video spreading on social media concerning the safety of Nigerians in Iran, stating that citizens living in the Middle Eastern country remain safe and unharmed despite the ongoing regional conflict.
Eko Hot Blog reports that in an official statement released on Friday, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran confirmed that there have been no reported injuries or deaths involving Nigerian nationals.
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NiDCOM Chairperson, Abike Dabiri Erewa, reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to the safety of Nigerians abroad, especially in conflict-affected areas.
“We remain committed to the safety and well-being of all Nigerians in the diaspora,” she said in a statement signed by Gabriel Odu of NiDCOM’s Public Relations and Protocols Unit.
She commended the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran for its prompt and strategic response, which included the temporary relocation of consular operations to Armenia to ensure continuous support during the crisis.
Dabiri Erewa urged Nigerians overseas to register with their embassies to enable timely assistance and effective communication in emergencies.
“The situation in Iran underscores the importance of proactive engagement and strong support systems,” she added.
The Embassy advised Nigerians in Iran to move to safer northern areas such as Shomal, Qom, and Ghaemshahr, which have been identified as muster points in case evacuation becomes necessary.
“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 stated.
Officials explained that these precautionary actions were successful in protecting Nigerian citizens.
The government also responded to a viral video posted by a Nigerian man in Iran who made alarming claims about the situation of Nigerians in the country.
According to the Embassy, the individual in the video had previously been imprisoned for human trafficking and allegedly using fellow Nigerians as collateral in drug-related activities.
Despite a deportation order issued over six months ago, the embassy secured his release on humanitarian grounds. Officials noted that he had refused to leave Iran until tensions escalated.
“Our responsibility is to all Nigerians, regardless of their situation. While we do not condone illegal actions, we acted in the spirit of national duty,” the Embassy explained.
The statement emphasized the critical importance of registering with Nigerian embassies abroad, particularly during global emergencies.
