- Why We Cannot Evacuate Nigerians In Iran – FG
- Ongoing hostilities make evacuation flights currently impossible
- Government requires formal request before activating rescue plan
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has said that the Federal Government cannot evacuate Nigerians in Iran amid the ongoing hostilities involving the United States and Israel because no formal distress call has been received.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the commission’s Director of Media and Public Relations, Abdur Rahman Balogun, disclosed this in an interview with Vanguard. He said although Nigerians may be residing in Iran, none has officially contacted the commission to request evacuation.
“I’m not saying there are no Nigerians there, I’m only saying nobody has sent any distress call,” he said.
Balogun explained that the security situation in the region has led to widespread flight suspensions, making evacuation currently impracticable.
“You cannot fly where bombs are going up and down. No airline will fly,” he stated, adding that the situation affects all nationals and not Nigerians alone.
He noted that temporary ceasefires could create limited windows for evacuation of stranded passengers but said such arrangements had not occurred.
“There may be ceasefire for two or three days to allow people who are stranded at the airport to be evacuated. That has not been done,” he said.
When asked to estimate the number of Nigerians potentially affected, Balogun said the commission does not have such data and directed inquiries to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“We don’t have embassies there. The only person controlling embassies is the Minister of Foreign Affairs. They will be able to tell you,” he said.
On possible collaboration with airlines or foreign authorities to assist Nigerians, the NiDCOM spokesperson said such efforts are not feasible under the present circumstances due to the suspension of flights.
“There is suspension of flights by all airlines. We cannot collaborate with anybody,” he said.
He added that Nigeria currently does not have a national carrier operating international routes.
“Which Nigerian airline? We don’t have one now,” he stated.
Balogun further explained that Nigerians who travel to Iran often do so privately, typically connecting through countries such as the United Arab Emirates or Greece.
Addressing the possibility of activating a full evacuation plan, he said certain conditions must be met before the Federal Government can intervene.
“You cannot force them; people went there voluntarily. In Sudan and Ukraine, some initially said they were not leaving. So people must seek for help and say, ‘our lives are in danger, can you evacuate us?” he said.
He explained that once a formal request is made and conditions permit, the Federal Government can activate emergency measures, including chartering aircraft and constituting a rescue committee.
“They must be Nigerians and be ready to come back home,” he added.
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