By Achile Momoh
📍Abuja | Media360Impact Report.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has clarified reports suggesting that it had received no distress calls from Nigerians in the Middle East amid the ongoing regional crisis.
In a statement issued on March 3, 2026, the Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols at the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abdur-Rahman Balogun, denied issuing any statement claiming there were no distress calls from Nigerians in affected countries.
Balogun explained that while the Commission has not received formal distress signals indicating immediate danger, it has received enquiries from Nigerians residing in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran regarding possible evacuation plans should the situation escalate.
According to him, these calls were precautionary in nature, reflecting growing concerns among Nigerians in the region.He further disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively collaborating with relevant government agencies to monitor developments and determine appropriate steps if evacuation becomes necessary.
The Commission urged Nigerians in affected countries to strictly adhere to official travel advisories issued by the Ministry and to make use of the emergency contact numbers provided through official channels.“Nigerians in the affected countries should rest assured that the Federal Government is closely monitoring the situation and will take necessary steps to ensure that no Nigerian life is endangered,” the statement read.
The clarification comes amid heightened tensions in parts of the Middle East, which have triggered safety concerns among foreign nationals, including Nigerians living and working in the region.
