Gulf Crisis: Nigeria Reaffirms Diplomatic Engagement, Moves to Protect Citizens Abroad By Raymond Enoch
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to diplomacy and the protection of its citizens abroad amid rising tensions in the Gulf region involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Nigeria) and Head of the Crisis Monitoring and Public Communications Division, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, made the disclosure during an appearance on Politics Today, a current affairs programme on Kapital FM.
Ebienfa explained that Nigeria’s diplomatic response was triggered by the rapid escalation of hostilities in the Gulf and the potential for wider regional instability.
According to him, the Federal Government has activated diplomatic channels and consular alert mechanisms to ensure the safety and welfare of Nigerians living in the affected areas.
“Our foreign policy is anchored on dialogue, the peaceful resolution of conflicts and respect for international law,” Ebienfa said. “Nigeria has consistently urged all parties involved in the crisis to exercise restraint and pursue diplomatic engagement in line with the principles of the United Nations Charter and the Geneva Conventions.”
He disclosed that Nigerian embassies across the region, including those in Tehran, Tel Aviv, Qatar, Beirut, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, have been placed on high alert to closely monitor developments and provide support to Nigerian nationals where necessary.
Speaking on the safety of Nigerians in the Gulf region, Ebienfa noted that thousands of Nigerians work across several sectors including construction, healthcare, aviation, oil and gas, and domestic services.
“While the situation remains under close watch, there have been no confirmed reports of Nigerians directly affected by the tensions so far,” he stated.
He added that Nigeria relies on a combination of diplomatic intelligence, host-country advisories and international monitoring systems to anticipate potential threats to its citizens abroad.
Ebienfa further revealed that an inter-ministerial meeting was convened on Friday with relevant stakeholders to develop a coordinated evacuation plan, particularly for Nigerians currently in Iran, who are considered the most vulnerable should the situation deteriorate.
According to him, there are nearly 1,000 Nigerians residing in Iran, the majority of whom are students. He disclosed that Nigeria’s diplomatic mission is currently in discussions with the Republic of Armenia to explore possible evacuation routes for affected Nigerians.
The Ministry, he said, is also working through its embassies and consulates to update records of Nigerians residing in the region, strengthen communication with diaspora communities and issue timely security advisories.
Ebienfa explained that Nigeria operates a structured crisis response system within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs designed to coordinate emergency consular services during international crises.
“This structure includes evacuation planning, collaboration with host governments and partnerships with international agencies when necessary,” he said.
The Ministry has therefore advised Nigerians living in the Gulf region to remain vigilant, comply strictly with security advisories issued by local authorities, maintain regular contact with Nigerian embassies and ensure that their travel and identity documents remain valid.
He reassured that the Nigerian government remains firmly committed to protecting its citizens wherever they may be, while continuing to support diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions in the Gulf.
“The unfolding crisis demonstrates that foreign policy decisions extend beyond diplomatic negotiations. They directly affect Nigerians working abroad, their families at home and the nation’s global standing,” Ebienfa added.
Nigeria, he emphasized, will continue to pursue diplomacy while ensuring that the welfare and safety of its citizens remain a top priority as tensions persist in the Gulf region.
