FG Begins Evacuation of Nigerians from Iran, Escorts Citizens to Armenian Border

Some Nigerians have been escorted out of Iran by officials of the Federal Government through the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran as part of efforts to ensure their safety amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

This was confirmed by the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri‑Erewa, who disclosed that Nigerian embassy officials are currently coordinating the movement of citizens willing to leave the country.

Dabiri-Erewa explained that the evacuees are being escorted from various locations in Iran to the border with Armenia, where they will await further arrangements for their return to Nigeria.

According to her, the evacuation became necessary following the escalating security situation in the region, which has raised concerns about the safety of foreign nationals, including Nigerians residing in Iran.

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She noted that officials of the Nigerian Embassy are working round the clock to ensure that Nigerians who wish to leave the country are safely moved out of the conflict-prone areas.

The NiDCOM boss also assured that the Federal Government is closely monitoring the situation and is collaborating with relevant authorities to facilitate the safe evacuation and eventual return of the affected citizens.

Dabiri-Erewa further stated that no Nigerian casualty had been reported so far, adding that the government remains committed to protecting the welfare and safety of its citizens abroad.

The evacuation effort forms part of contingency measures being implemented by the Federal Government as tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, prompting several countries to make arrangements for the evacuation of their nationals from high-risk areas.

Meanwhile, Nigerian authorities have urged citizens in the affected region to remain in contact with the Nigerian Embassy and follow official directives as the evacuation process continues.

FG Begins Evacuation of Nigerians from Iran, Escorts Citizens to Armenian Border

Tinubu Orders Nationwide CNG Initiative to Curb Transport Expenses

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PiCNG) to immediately deploy 100,000 vehicle conversion kits nationwide, a bold move aimed at easing the burden of rising global fuel prices and promoting compressed natural gas (CNG) as a cheaper, cleaner alternative to petrol.

The directive was issued during a closed-door meeting between the president and PiCNG Executive Chairman Ismaeel Ahmed at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Ahmed disclosed that the president requested updates on the initiative’s progress, particularly regarding measures to cushion Nigerians from the impact of fuel price volatility driven by tensions in the Middle East.

“The president is concerned about the effect of global petroleum price spikes on Nigerians. He has given a direct mandate to immediately deploy about 100,000 CNG conversion kits,” Ahmed said. The kits will allow vehicle owners, including cars and tricycles, to convert petrol engines to run on compressed natural gas, offering an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative.

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The rollout is expected to begin within the next two to three weeks, with conversion centres nationwide becoming active as large-scale vehicle conversions commence. Ahmed noted that the initiative is also accelerating infrastructure development to support CNG and electric mobility, including the expansion of refuelling and charging stations across key transport corridors.

Currently, around 77 CNG refuelling stations are at various stages of development across Nigeria. Kano already operates two liquefied CNG stations, with additional daughter stations under construction. The infrastructure expansion covers major routes from Lokoja to Abuja, Kaduna, Zaria, Kano, and Maiduguri, ensuring broad access to alternative fuel.

The initiative also encourages the local assembly of CNG and electric vehicles through partnerships with domestic and international manufacturers. Collaboration with the Rural Electrification Agency is underway to deploy solar-powered charging stations in off-grid areas, supporting a clean energy transition.

President Tinubu emphasized that the PiCNG programme should deliver quick results, reducing transportation costs, improving mobility for Nigerians, and mitigating the impact of global fuel shocks on the economy.

Tinubu Orders Nationwide CNG Initiative to Curb Transport Expenses

Middle East Conflict: FG Begins Evacuation of Nigerians from Iran

The Federal Government of Nigeria has begun evacuating Nigerian citizens from Iran as the Middle East conflict intensifies, guiding those who choose to leave safely across the Armenian border. The move comes after US–Israeli military strikes on February 28, which sparked retaliatory attacks and heightened fears of a wider regional war affecting foreign nationals.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), confirmed the evacuation on her X account, stating that officials from the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran are coordinating the operation. She emphasized that no Nigerian in Iran has been directly affected by the conflict and that embassy personnel remain stationed at the border to assist evacuees.

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“Willing Nigerians are being escorted across the Armenian border by embassy officials for safe passage. No Nigerian has been affected by the war as officials remain to receive all who want to leave,” Dabiri-Erewa said.

The evacuation initiative prioritizes Nigerians in Iran, including students and residents who may face disruptions due to airspace closures and regional insecurity. Overland evacuation routes through neighboring Armenia were identified as the safest option amid escalating military activity.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also activated emergency contact systems, urging Nigerians in conflict-affected countries — including Iran, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE — to maintain regular communication with their nearest Nigerian diplomatic missions. Authorities are coordinating with foreign partners to ensure the safe and orderly movement of citizens.

Officials stress that the evacuation underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting the safety and welfare of Nigerian citizens abroad, especially as the conflict shows no signs of immediate de-escalation. Further plans are being reviewed to accommodate additional evacuees if the situation worsens.

Middle East Conflict: FG Begins Evacuation of Nigerians from Iran