FG Explains Why Nigerians In Iran Cannot Be Evacuated Amid Crisis

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has explained why the Federal Government cannot evacuate Nigerians in Iran amid the ongoing hostilities involving the United States and Israel.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking to Vanguard, NiDCOM’s Director of Media and Public Relations, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said the government has not received any distress calls from Nigerians residing in Iran. While acknowledging that Nigerians may be in the country, he noted that none have formally reached out for assistance.

“I’m not saying there are no Nigerians there, only that nobody has sent a distress call,” he clarified.

Balogun explained that flights to the region have been suspended due to the hostilities, emphasizing that no airline would operate in an active war zone.

“You cannot fly where bombs are going off. No airline will operate under such conditions,” he said, stressing that this affects all nationals, not just Nigerians.

He added that evacuation could only occur during a ceasefire, which might allow stranded individuals to leave airports safely—but no such ceasefire has been declared so far.

When asked about the number of Nigerians currently affected, Balogun said NiDCOM does not have the data and directed inquiries to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“We don’t have embassies there. The Minister of Foreign Affairs oversees the embassies and will have that information,” he explained.

On whether NiDCOM is working with airlines or foreign authorities to assist Nigerians, Balogun said collaboration is impossible under current circumstances.

“All airlines have suspended flights. We cannot coordinate with anyone, and Nigeria does not have a national carrier operating international routes,” he added.

Balogun noted that Nigerians in Iran usually travel as private individuals, often connecting through countries like the United Arab Emirates or Greece.

Regarding a potential full-scale evacuation, he said the Federal Government can only intervene once certain conditions are met. He emphasized that affected Nigerians must formally request help and be willing to return home.

“You cannot force them. People went there voluntarily. In situations like Sudan and Ukraine, some initially refused to leave. People must seek assistance and say, ‘Our lives are in danger; can you evacuate us?’” he said.

Once such a request is received and conditions allow, Balogun explained that the government could implement emergency measures, including chartering aircraft and establishing a rescue committee.