Gulf Tensions: Nigeria Activates Diplomatic Channels To Protect Citizens Abroad
As tensions escalate in the Gulf following the confrontation involving the United States, Israel and Iran, Nigeria has moved to safeguard its citizens abroad while urging diplomatic restraint among the parties involved.
The Federal Government says it has activated diplomatic channels and emergency consular mechanisms to monitor developments and protect Nigerians living across the region.
Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Head of the Crisis Monitoring and Public Communications Division, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, disclosed this during Politics Today, a current affairs programme on Kapital FM.
Ebienfa explained that Nigeria’s response was triggered by the rapid escalation of hostilities and the potential implications for Nigerians residing in the region.
According to him, Nigerian embassies in Tehran, Tel Aviv, Qatar, Beirut, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have been placed on high alert to monitor the situation and assist Nigerians where necessary.
“Our foreign policy is anchored on dialogue, peaceful resolution of conflicts and respect for international law,” Ebienfa said, noting that Nigeria has called on all parties to exercise restraint and pursue diplomatic engagement in line with the principles of the United Nations Charter and the Geneva Conventions.
He revealed that although thousands of Nigerians work across sectors such as construction, healthcare, aviation, oil and gas and domestic services in the Gulf, there have been no confirmed reports of Nigerians directly affected by the crisis.
However, the Ministry has begun contingency planning. Ebienfa disclosed that an inter-ministerial meeting was convened on Friday to coordinate a possible evacuation plan for Nigerians in Iran, where close to 1,000 Nigerians, mostly students, currently reside.
He added that Nigeria is already in discussions with the Republic of Armenia on possible evacuation routes should the security situation deteriorate.
The Ministry also urged Nigerians living in the region to remain vigilant, follow security advisories from local authorities and maintain regular contact with Nigerian embassies.
Ebienfa reassured that Nigeria would continue to pursue diplomatic engagement while prioritising the safety and welfare of its citizens abroad as the situation unfolds.
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