The Federal Government has confirmed that the repatriation of Nigerians stranded in parts of the Middle East will begin only once regional airspace reopens, following the escalation of hostilities in the region.
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), responded to complaints from Nigerians stranded in Qatar and other countries, who have expressed frustration over delays in evacuation.
A Nigerian stuck in Qatar shared their plight on X, saying:
“Never been this helpless before in my life — nine days stuck in Qatar with my family and other Nigerians. Countries have picked up their citizens, but mostly Nigerians are left! We have called the Embassy and Consulate, yet no positive response. There are elderly people and children here who need urgent help.”
In response, Dabiri-Erewa explained that repatriation flights cannot take off while the skies remain unsafe. She noted:
“Luckily, a flight came in from the UAE to Lagos two days ago, just before another strike and closure of the airspace. Once the airspace opens, the multi-agency FGN team on crises and evacuation is on standby. Our prayers are with you and all our people in affected countries.”
Dabiri-Erewa also highlighted ongoing efforts to evacuate willing Nigerians from Iran by escorting them across the Armenia border. Officials from the Nigerian embassy in Tehran are coordinating the process, ensuring safe passage for all evacuees. She emphasized that no Nigerian in Iran has been harmed amid the tensions.
“Willing Nigerians are being escorted across the Armenian border by officials of the Nigerian embassy in Iran for safe passage. Embassy staff remain at the border to receive and assist all who wish to leave,” she stated on X.
The situation in the region escalated after Iran launched retaliatory strikes following alleged missile activity by the United States from a base in Qatar. Iran has since exchanged strikes with Israel and the United States.
Following the outbreak of hostilities on February 28, several countries, including Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar, closed their airspace, leaving many travelers, including Nigerians, stranded. The Nigerian government issued travel advisories from the first day of the conflict and continues to monitor the situation closely.