The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has refuted reports suggesting that Nigerians in Iran have not contacted the agency for assistance amid the ongoing crisis in parts of the Middle East.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Commission’s spokesman, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, clarified that no official communication was released claiming an absence of distress calls from Nigerians stranded in the region.
Balogun stated that, contrary to circulating reports, the Commission has received enquiries from Nigerians residing in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran regarding potential evacuation arrangements should the security situation deteriorate.
“I never issued such a statement,” he said, stressing that some Nigerians in the affected countries had reached out to the Commission to seek information about possible evacuation plans if required.
He added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is coordinating with relevant government agencies to determine appropriate measures in response to the evolving situation. The ministry, he noted, has also advised Nigerians in impacted areas to adhere strictly to official travel advisories and make use of designated emergency contact lines.
Balogun assured that the Federal Government is closely monitoring developments in the region and remains committed to safeguarding the lives of its citizens abroad, pledging that necessary steps would be taken to prevent any harm to Nigerians.
