Minister denies abandoning Nigerians in Iran, releases helpline

Minister denies abandoning Nigerians in Iran, releases helpline

Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, has denounced as reports circulating on social media stating that Nigerians were abandoned in Iran.

Tuggar confirmed the situation in a statement released on Saturday in Abuja by the ministry’s spokeswoman, Mr Kimiebi Ebienfa.

According to the statement, the ministry was alerted to what it described as false and baseless information.

The reports suggested that the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran had ceased operations and abandoned citizens due to the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel.

“The Embassy of Nigeria in Tehran remains operational and fully committed to the welfare and safety of all Nigerian nationals in Iran,” Tuggar affirmed.

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However, he explained that due to ongoing security concerns and consistent bombings in Tehran, normal work schedules had been disrupted, with embassy staff currently working remotely.

“In response to these developments, the embassy is actively engaging with the government of Armenia to secure access for the evacuation of Nigerians via Yerevan,” the minister stated.

Tuggar called on Nigerians in Iran requiring assistance to contact the embassy through the following emergency numbers and emails:

Mr Esson Anzaku: ‪+989393216872

Mr Abutalib: ‪+989024199018, ‪+989393216872

Emails: nigeria.tehran@mfa.gov.ng, anzakuesson02@gmail.com, lawshed@yahoo.com

He also admonished Nigerians to stay in contact with the designated community coordinators in the three previously arranged locations and to download the Iranian local messaging app Eitaa and join the Nigerian group for real-time updates.

“The ministry remains vigilant in monitoring the situation and will continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard the interests of Nigerians worldwide,” the statement added.

Minister denies abandoning Nigerians in Iran, releases helpline