- Middle East Conflict Disrupts Travel, FG Begins Evacuation Plans
- Many Nigerians are currently affected in countries such as Iran, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar
- Iran has expressed willingness to support evacuation efforts
The Federal Government says it is putting plans in motion to evacuate Nigerians caught in the growing crisis across parts of the Middle East, Eko Hot Blog reports.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, work is already ongoing behind the scenes to sort out logistics, approvals, and funding needed to begin the evacuation process.
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The situation in the region has become increasingly tense following missile and drone attacks linked to Iran, raising security concerns across several Gulf nations. This comes after coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28.
Spokesperson for the ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed that arrangements are underway, noting that the government is focused on getting stranded Nigerians out safely.
Many Nigerians are currently affected in countries such as Iran, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar, where ongoing hostilities have disrupted flights and travel plans.
Officials say priority is being given to those in the most dangerous locations, especially Iran and Israel, where evacuation is more complex due to security risks and logistical hurdles. For instance, moving stranded students out of Iran may require land travel to neighbouring countries like Armenia before they can be airlifted home.
The government is also considering multiple evacuation options, including the possible use of Nigerian Air Force aircraft, although the volatile situation has made flight arrangements difficult.
There is, however, some relief for Nigerians stranded in transit. The ministry confirmed that Qatar Airways has resumed flights to Nigeria, with some passengers already returning home from Doha. Additional flights through cities like Cairo and Nairobi are also helping to clear the backlog of stranded travellers.
Meanwhile, the crisis has taken a serious toll in the UAE, where authorities say several missiles and drones were intercepted during recent attacks. Casualties have been recorded, involving people from multiple countries, including Nigeria, although one injured Nigerian has since been treated and discharged.
On the diplomatic front, Iran has expressed willingness to support evacuation efforts. The country’s ambassador to Nigeria, Gholamreza Raja, said Iranian authorities are ready to cooperate with the Nigerian government to ensure citizens who wish to leave can do so safely.
He noted that Iran’s land borders remain open and are currently being used by foreign nationals to exit the country, offering an alternative route for evacuation.
At the same time, the crisis is continuing to disrupt global travel. Emirates Airline has once again suspended flights to and from Dubai, advising passengers to stay away from the airport until further notice.
The suspension, linked to heightened security concerns, has left thousands of travellers stranded, including many Nigerians who rely on Dubai as a major transit hub. It has also affected business activities, with conferences and meetings either cancelled or moved elsewhere.
For now, authorities say efforts are ongoing to ensure Nigerians caught in the crisis can return home safely, even as the situation across the region remains uncertain.
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