Abuja – The Federal Government has released emergency contact numbers for Nigerian nationals residing in the Middle East, as regional tensions escalate following coordinated military strikes involving Iran, Israel and the United States .
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued separate advisories over the weekend, activating dedicated hotlines through Nigerian diplomatic missions across the region . The move comes as several countries have issued safety alerts to their nationals amid concerns that the conflict could broaden.
In a statement posted on its official X handle, NiDCOM Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa urged citizens in affected countries to save the numbers and maintain regular contact with the nearest Nigerian diplomatic missions for guidance and urgent support .
“These hotlines are intended to provide immediate consular support to Nigerians who may face security risks as the conflict intensifies across parts of the Middle East,” Dabiri-Erewa said .
Comprehensive contact list activated
The emergency contacts cover Nigerian diplomatic missions across nine countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, and Iran .
For Nigerians in the UAE, the Embassy in Abu Dhabi can be reached at +971 56 884 4130, while the Consulate-General in Dubai is available on +971 56 377 8678 . In Saudi Arabia, which hosts a large Nigerian community, the Embassy in Riyadh has provided two contacts: +966 542149456 and +966 565695763. The Consulate-General in Jeddah is reachable on +966 560965633 .
Nigerians in Kuwait and Bahrain can contact the Embassy in Kuwait through +965 97895737 and +965 99509288 . The mission has also created a dedicated WhatsApp line on +965 9923 8835 to facilitate real-time communication and community coordination .
In Israel, where security concerns are most acute, the Embassy in Tel Aviv has activated two numbers: +972 547115279 and the Nigeria-based line +234 7064263944 . An alternative set of contacts was also provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: +972 543340414 and +972 503673175 .
For Nigerians in Qatar, the Embassy in Doha is available on +974 30197102 and +974 30197261 . The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has additionally provided +974 66802029 and +974 50733786 .
In Lebanon, citizens can reach the Embassy in Beirut on +961 78 861 779 or the Nigeria-based line +234 8038954425 . Alternative contacts from the Ministry include +961 81669403 and +961 70848080 .
Nigerians in Jordan and Iraq are advised to contact the Embassy in Amman on +962 777369428 and +962 776594020 . The Ministry has also provided +962 795669949 and +962 799430414 .
For those in Iran, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has activated dedicated lines: +989393216872 and +989024165493 .
Government assures citizens of safety
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasised that Nigerian missions are working closely with host governments and international partners to monitor developments and ensure the safety of Nigerian citizens . Authorities advised affected citizens to remain calm, follow directives issued by local authorities, and keep in touch with Nigerian embassies and consulates for updates regarding safety measures and possible evacuation arrangements .
NiDCOM spokesperson Abdur-Rahman Balogun confirmed that the Commission has received enquiries from Nigerians residing in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Iran seeking information on possible evacuation plans should the need arise .
“The fact of the matter is that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working with all relevant agencies for appropriate steps while appealing to Nigerians in the affected countries to follow the travel advice as issued by the ministry and contact the emergency numbers provided,” Balogun said in a statement .
He assured that the Federal Government is closely monitoring the situation and would take necessary steps to ensure no Nigerian life is endangered .
Heightened regional tensions
The advisories follow reports that on February 28, the United States and Israel conducted coordinated strikes on Iranian military and leadership targets, reportedly under operations named Operation Epic Fury and Operation Raging Lion . The strikes targeted naval bases, air defence systems and government facilities in Tehran and other cities, prompting retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Iran on Israel and U.S. military bases across the Middle East .
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was also reported to have moved to close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route, raising concerns over potential disruptions to global energy supplies . There have also been unconfirmed reports of the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a development that could further destabilise the region .
Vigilance urged
NiDCOM urged Nigerians abroad to remain vigilant, follow local safety instructions, and rely on official information while the crisis continues . The Commission stressed that Nigerians should take every precaution necessary and stay in close touch with Nigerian embassies and consulates for updates and assistance .
The Embassy in Kuwait specifically advised Nigerians in both Kuwait and Bahrain to “remain vigilant, observe safety guidelines, advisories from the host (official) governments, and remain calm at all times” .
The government assured that contingency plans are being coordinated should evacuation become necessary, noting that diplomatic missions have been placed on alert to provide consular assistance to citizens in distress . Officials said further updates would be communicated through Nigerian missions and official government channels as the situation evolves .
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate