FG activates diplomatic channels to safeguard Nigerians amid Gulf tensions
The federal government has activated diplomatic and consular alert mechanisms to protect Nigerians in the Gulf region, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa has disclosed. Ebienfa, Head of the Crisis Monitoring and Public
The federal government has activated diplomatic and consular alert mechanisms to protect Nigerians in the Gulf region, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa has disclosed. Ebienfa, Head of the Crisis Monitoring and Public Communications Division, spoke during a recent edition of Politics Today on Kapital FM.
The announcement followed escalating hostilities involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, raising concerns over regional stability and the safety of Nigerian nationals.
“Our foreign policy is anchored on dialogue, peaceful resolution of conflicts, and respect for international law,” Ebienfa said. “Nigeria has consistently urged all parties to exercise restraint and pursue diplomatic engagement in line with the United Nations Charter and the Geneva Conventions.”
He explained that Nigerian embassies in Tehran, Tel Aviv, Qatar, Beirut, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia have been placed on high alert to monitor developments and assist Nigerians in need.
Ebienfa noted that thousands of Nigerians work across construction, healthcare, aviation, oil and gas, and domestic services in the Gulf. “While the situation is being closely monitored, there have been no confirmed reports of Nigerians directly affected so far,” he added.
He also disclosed that an inter-ministerial meeting was held on Friday to formulate an evacuation plan, particularly for Nigerians in Iran, where nearly 1,000 nationals—mostly students—are currently based. Talks are ongoing with the Republic of Armenia on possible evacuation routes for affected Nigerians.
The Ministry is maintaining updated records of Nigerians in the region, strengthening communication channels with diaspora communities, and issuing timely security advisories. Ebienfa emphasized that the Ministry operates a crisis response structure to coordinate emergency consular services during international emergencies.
“This structure includes evacuation planning, collaboration with host governments and partnerships with international agencies when necessary,” he said.
The Ministry has therefore advised Nigerians residing in the Gulf region to remain vigilant, adhere strictly to security advisories issued by local authorities, maintain regular contact with Nigerian embassies and ensure their travel and identity documents remain valid.
He reassured that the Nigerian government remains 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 shows that foreign policy decisions go beyond diplomatic negotiations, as they directly affect Nigerians working abroad, their families at home and the nation’s global standing,” he added.
"We 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."
