- Nigeria Yet to Receive SOS from Citizens in Iran – NiDCOM
- Says Evacuation Impossible Without Ceasefire
- Balogun explained that Nigerians travelling to Iran typically do so independently, often transiting through cities such as Dubai or Greece
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) says it has not received any distress call from Nigerians residing in Iran despite the ongoing hostilities involving Iran and the United States.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Director of Media and Public Relations at NiDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, disclosed this during a telephone interview while responding to concerns that Nigerians could be stranded following the suspension of international flights into and out of Iran.
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Balogun clarified that although Nigerians may be present in Iran, none has formally contacted the commission for assistance.
“I’m not saying there are no Nigerians there, I’m only saying nobody has sent any distress call,” he said.
He explained that flight cancellations were triggered by the ongoing hostilities, noting that airlines cannot operate in an active conflict zone.
“You cannot fly where bombs are going up and down. No airline will fly,” he stated, stressing that the disruption affects all nationalities.
According to him, evacuation would only be possible if a temporary ceasefire is declared to allow stranded individuals to leave.
“They may ceasefire for two or three days to allow people who are stranded at the airport to be evacuated. That has not been done,” he added.
When asked about the number of Nigerians potentially affected, Balogun said NiDCOM does not maintain such data and advised that inquiries be directed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which oversees Nigeria’s diplomatic missions.
He also noted that collaboration with airlines or foreign authorities is currently impracticable due to the blanket suspension of flights and Nigeria’s lack of a national carrier operating international routes.
Balogun explained that Nigerians travelling to Iran typically do so independently, often transiting through cities such as Dubai or Greece.
On the possibility of activating a government evacuation plan, he said affected Nigerians must first formally request assistance and be willing to return home.
“You cannot force them. People went there voluntarily. In Sudan and Ukraine, some initially said they were not leaving. So people must seek help and say, ‘Our lives are in danger, can you evacuate us?’”
He added that once a formal request is made and conditions permit, the Federal Government could take emergency measures, including chartering aircraft and establishing a rescue committee.
Balogun reaffirmed that protecting Nigerians abroad remains a core responsibility of the government under its citizen diplomacy policy. However, he stressed that without a ceasefire and the reopening of airspace, evacuation efforts would remain impossible.
“As far as I know, I’m not aware that anybody has sent a distress call,” he maintained.
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