The Federal Government said it is finalising administrative procedures and funding arrangements for the evacuation of Nigerians affected by the escalating crisis across parts of the Middle East.
The move follows rising regional tensions triggered by missile and drone attacks linked to Iran, as well as recent coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel, which have heightened security concerns across several Gulf nations.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed that evacuation plans are underway but pending final approvals.
“The government is working out the necessary administrative details and the release of funds to commence evacuation,” Ebienfa said.
The development comes amid growing concerns over Nigerians stranded in countries including Iran, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar, where hostilities have disrupted flights and travel plans.
Officials said priority is being given to Nigerians in high-risk areas, particularly Iran and Israel, where evacuation efforts remain complicated due to security and logistical challenges.
According to the ministry, evacuating Nigerians from Iran involves transporting stranded students from various universities to the Armenian border while meeting entry requirements set by Armenian authorities.
The government is also exploring multiple evacuation options, including the possible deployment of Nigerian Air Force aircraft, though volatile conditions have made securing safe flight routes difficult.
Ebienfa noted that many Nigerians stranded in Qatar were transit passengers whose flights were disrupted but are now being assisted by airlines.
“Qatar Airways has started operating flights to Nigeria. There was a flight to Lagos from Doha,” he said.
“In a few days, those stranded due to transit disruptions will return home.”
He added that additional evacuation routes through Cairo, Egypt, and Nairobi, Kenya, have also facilitated the return of some Nigerians.
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates confirmed that their air defence systems intercepted multiple missiles and drones launched from Iran as part of a broader wave of attacks.
Officials reported that at least six people were killed and over 140 others injured, including foreign nationals from several countries.
Since the escalation began, UAE authorities said their systems have intercepted hundreds of ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as thousands of drones.
Ebienfa confirmed that one Nigerian injured in the attacks has since been treated and discharged.
Meanwhile, Iran has expressed readiness to assist Nigeria in evacuating its citizens.
Iran’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Gholamreza Raja, said Tehran is willing to cooperate with Nigerian authorities to facilitate the safe departure of Nigerians who wish to leave.
“The Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to cooperate in facilitating the departure of Nigerian nationals,” Raja said.
He added that Nigeria’s embassy in Tehran is actively supporting citizens and maintaining communication with the Nigerian community.
According to the envoy, Iran’s land borders remain open and are currently being used by foreign nationals for travel.
“Reports indicate that the routes are safe and can be used without difficulty,” he stated.
Raja also disclosed that several hundred Nigerians reside in Iran, many of them students enrolled in educational institutions, while others engage in small-scale business activities.
In a related development, Emirates Airline has suspended all flights to and from Dubai, citing security concerns and directives from aviation authorities.
The airline advised passengers not to proceed to the airport until further notice.
“Customers are reminded not to travel to the airport at this time,” the airline said.
“The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority.”
The suspension follows renewed tensions in the region and has disrupted travel for thousands of passengers, including Nigerians who rely on Dubai as a major transit hub.
The development has also compounded existing challenges, as many passengers continue to face delays in refund processing for previously cancelled flights.
Travel agents report that the uncertainty is already affecting business travel, with conferences and trade events in Dubai being cancelled or relocated.
The ongoing conflict has forced several international airlines to reroute or suspend flights across affected airspace, triggering widespread disruptions in global aviation.
With tensions still high, authorities say evacuation efforts and travel operations will depend heavily on evolving security conditions in the region.
