The Federal Government of Nigeria on Monday said it is putting final administrative steps in place, including the release of funds, to begin evacuating Nigerians affected by the ongoing crisis in parts of the Middle East.
This move comes as tensions in the region continue to rise, following a series of missile and drone attacks linked to Iran, which have heightened security concerns across several Gulf countries. The situation escalated further after coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28.
Speaking on the development, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed that preparations for evacuation are already underway.
“The government is working out the necessary administrative details and the release of funds to commence evacuation,” he said.
The update follows growing concerns over the safety of Nigerians stranded in countries such as Iran, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar, after the conflict disrupted flights and travel plans.
Earlier, the ministry had stated that priority would be given to Nigerians in the most vulnerable locations, especially those in Iran and Israel, where evacuation efforts are more complicated due to the security situation.
Officials explained that evacuating Nigerians from Iran poses serious logistical challenges. This includes moving stranded students from different universities to the Armenian border and meeting entry requirements set by Armenian authorities. The government is also considering multiple evacuation options, including deploying aircraft from the Nigerian Air Force, although the volatile environment has made flight arrangements difficult.
The ministry added that many Nigerians stranded in Qatar were transit passengers whose flights were disrupted, but they are currently being assisted by their airlines.
Providing further updates, Ebienfa noted that Qatar Airways has resumed flights to Nigeria.
“A flight arrived in Lagos today (Monday) from Doha,” he said. “In a few days, Nigerians affected by transit disruptions should all be back home. This is in addition to flights to Cairo and Nairobi that also carried some Nigerians.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence of the United Arab Emirates confirmed that its air defence systems intercepted multiple ballistic missiles and drones launched from Iran. According to the ministry, nine ballistic missiles and 33 drones were intercepted on March 14 as part of a broader wave of attacks.
Authorities reported casualties involving both residents and foreign workers, with six people killed and over 140 injured. Since the conflict began, UAE officials say they have intercepted hundreds of missiles and drones.
Ebienfa also confirmed that a Nigerian injured during the attacks has since been treated and discharged.
Iran expresses support
The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Nigeria, Gholamreza Raja, has assured that his government is ready to cooperate with Nigerian authorities to ensure the safe departure of Nigerians who wish to leave.
He explained that the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran is actively supporting citizens and maintaining communication with the Nigerian community.
“Iran is ready to cooperate in facilitating the departure of Nigerian nationals if they choose to leave,” he said.
Raja added that Iran’s land borders with neighbouring countries remain open and are currently being used by foreign nationals to exit the country.
“Reports indicate that these routes are safe and can be used without difficulty,” he noted.
According to him, several hundred Nigerians live in Iran, many of whom are students in Iranian universities, while others are involved in small-scale businesses. He also pointed out that the exact number is uncertain, as not all Nigerians register with the embassy.
Emirates suspends flights again
Meanwhile, Emirates airline has once again suspended all flights to and from Dubai, advising passengers not to go to the airport until further notice.
The decision followed directives from the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority amid rising tensions in the region. The airline said operations will remain suspended while authorities assess the situation.
“The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority,” the airline said, urging customers to monitor updates.
The disruption has affected thousands of travellers, especially Nigerians who rely on Dubai as a major transit hub for international travel.
Although Emirates had recently resumed limited operations on its Dubai–Lagos route, the renewed suspension has created fresh uncertainty. Many passengers are still awaiting refunds for previously cancelled flights, with travel agents reporting delays in processing requests.
The situation is also beginning to impact business activities, as Dubai remains a key destination for conferences, trade events, and tourism. Several scheduled events have already been cancelled or moved to other locations, leaving many travellers in limbo.
