The minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has dismissed as false narratives circulating on social media that Nigerian citizens have been abandoned in Iran as tension continues to rise in the region.
In a statement issued Saturday in Abuja by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Mr. Kimiebi Ebienfa, Tuggar characterized the reports as “misleading”, “untruthful” and “not founded.”
He made it clear that the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran is open and fully committed to the safety and welfare of Nigerian citizens living in Iran.
Contrary to the rumors that the embassy had closed down due to the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, the minister explained that while normal embassy business has been impaired due to continued threats to security and bombings in Tehran, staff at the embassy are still working remotely to continue to provide support.
Minister Tuggar also disclosed that the embassy is in communication with the Government of Armenia to arrange possible evacuation options through Yerevan for Nigerians, if the current situation deteriorates.
He called on Nigerian citizens living in Iran to relate with assigned community coordinators, consistently check real-time updates on the Iranian messaging app Eitaa, and contact the embassy through official emergency numbers and affixed emails, as shared by the embassy.
“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 concluded.