Nigerians in Iran: No Distress Calls Amid Middle East Conflict, Says NiDCOM
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, has officially stated that it has not yet received any distress calls or requests for assistance from Nigerian citizens residing in Iran, despite the escalating hostilities between Iran and the United States alongside its ally, Israel. This announcement comes as concerns grow over the safety of Nigerians abroad during international conflicts.
Official Statement on Nigerian Citizens in Iran
In an exclusive interview with Vanguard, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the Director of Media and Public Relations at NiDCOM, clarified the commission's position. "I'm not saying there are no Nigerians there, I'm only saying nobody has sent any distress call," Balogun emphasized. He explained that while there might be Nigerians living or traveling in Iran, none have formally reached out to NiDCOM for help amid the ongoing crisis.
When pressed for an estimate of how many Nigerians could be affected by the conflict, Balogun admitted that NiDCOM does not possess such specific data. He advised that inquiries regarding Nigerian citizens in Iran should be directed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which oversees embassies and consular services. "We don't have embassies there. The only person controlling embassies is the Minister of Foreign Affairs. They will be able to tell you," he stated.
Challenges in Collaboration and Evacuation Efforts
Balogun addressed questions about potential collaboration with airlines or foreign authorities to assist stranded Nigerians, noting that such efforts are currently not feasible. "There is suspension of flights by all airlines. We cannot collaborate with anybody," he said, highlighting that Nigeria lacks a national carrier operating international routes, which complicates evacuation plans. "Which Nigerian airline? We don't have one now," he added, underscoring the logistical hurdles.
He further explained that Nigerians traveling to Iran typically do so as private individuals, often using connecting flights through countries like the United Arab Emirates or Greece. This informal travel pattern makes it difficult to track and assist citizens in times of crisis.
Conditions for Government Intervention and Evacuation
Regarding the possibility of activating a full-scale evacuation plan for Nigerians stranded in the Middle East, Balogun outlined specific conditions that must be met before the Federal Government can intervene. "You cannot force them; people went there voluntarily. In Sudan and Ukraine, some initially said they were not leaving. So people must seek for help and say, 'our lives are in danger, can you evacuate us?'" he explained.
He stressed that affected Nigerians must formally request assistance and express a willingness to return home. Once such a request is made and conditions permit, the Federal Government can arrange emergency measures, including chartering aircraft and establishing a rescue committee. "They must be Nigerians and be ready to come back home," Balogun reiterated, emphasizing the importance of voluntary participation in any evacuation effort.
Commitment to Citizen Diplomacy and Protection
Balogun affirmed that protecting Nigerians abroad remains a core responsibility of the Federal Government, in line with its citizen diplomacy policy. "If the life of any Nigerian is in danger and it reaches out to us, the Federal Government will look for a way out. Even if we don't have an aircraft, we can lease or hire for that operation," he assured. However, he concluded by reiterating that, as far as he is aware, no distress calls have been received from Nigerians in Iran to date.
This situation highlights the challenges faced by diaspora commissions in monitoring and assisting citizens during international conflicts, especially in regions with limited diplomatic presence and travel restrictions.
