Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has refuted viral claims that the country’s embassy in Tehran has been shut down, insisting staff remain “fully operational albeit remotely” and are working with Armenia on a safe-passage corridor for citizens caught in the escalating Iran–Israel conflict.
Concern spread on Friday after a video surfaced online showing distressed Nigerians outside the Tehran chancery, alleging the mission had closed its gates and left them “stranded and forgotten.” The clip quickly gained traction, prompting criticism of Abuja’s crisis-response capacity.
In a Saturday press statement, ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa branded the reports “false and misleading,” adding that routine services were temporarily moved off-site because “ongoing bombings and air-raid alerts in Tehran have disrupted normal office activity.”
“The embassy remains operational and fully committed to the safety and welfare of Nigerians in Iran,” the statement read.
The ministry revealed that evacuation negotiations with the Republic of Armenia are “well advanced.” On Thursday, Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires in Tehran, Dr Abdulrasheed Omar Lawal, met in Yerevan with Armenia’s Acting Director for Middle East and Africa, Levon Petrosyan, formally requesting secure overland passage to Yerevan for Nigerian nationals.
Officials say Armenia has given “positive assurances,” and logistical details—including buses, documentation and onward flights are being finalised.
Nigerians in Iran have been urged to register with community coordinators and join the embassy’s “Eitaa” messaging group for real-time updates. Two 24-hour hotlines and three email addresses have been publicised:
- Mr Esson Anzaku: +98 939 321 6872
- Mr Abutalib: +98 902 419 9018
- Email: nigeria.tehran@mfa.gov.ng, anzakuesson02@gmail.com, lawshed@yahoo.com
Evacuation Timeline: Officials target a first convoy “within days” once Armenia confirms route security. Remote Services: Passport renewals, attestations and emergency travel certificates will be processed online until on-site operations resume. Ongoing Monitoring: Abuja says it is “fully engaged” with regional partners and will update citizens as the security picture evolves.
For the estimated 250–300 Nigerians currently in Iran, the ministry’s message is clear: “You have not been abandoned.” The coming days will reveal whether the Armenia corridor can safely deliver them home.
NG Denies Abandoning Nigerians in Iran, Announces Armenia-Backed Evacuation Plan
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has refuted viral claims that the country’s embassy in Tehran has been shut down, insisting staff remain “fully operational albeit remotely” and are working with Armenia on a safe-passage corridor for citizens caught in the escalating Iran–Israel conflict.
Concern spread on Friday after a video surfaced online showing distressed Nigerians outside the Tehran chancery, alleging the mission had closed its gates and left them “stranded and forgotten.” The clip quickly gained traction, prompting criticism of Abuja’s crisis-response capacity.
In a Saturday press statement, ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa branded the reports “false and misleading,” adding that routine services were temporarily moved off-site because “ongoing bombings and air-raid alerts in Tehran have disrupted normal office activity.”
“The embassy remains operational and fully committed to the safety and welfare of Nigerians in Iran,” the statement read.
The ministry revealed that evacuation negotiations with the Republic of Armenia are “well advanced.” On Thursday, Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires in Tehran, Dr Abdulrasheed Omar Lawal, met in Yerevan with Armenia’s Acting Director for Middle East and Africa, Levon Petrosyan, formally requesting secure overland passage to Yerevan for Nigerian nationals.
Officials say Armenia has given “positive assurances,” and logistical details—including buses, documentation and onward flights are being finalised.
Nigerians in Iran have been urged to register with community coordinators and join the embassy’s “Eitaa” messaging group for real-time updates. Two 24-hour hotlines and three email addresses have been publicised:
- Mr Esson Anzaku: +98 939 321 6872
- Mr Abutalib: +98 902 419 9018
- Email: nigeria.tehran@mfa.gov.ng, anzakuesson02@gmail.com, lawshed@yahoo.com
Evacuation Timeline: Officials target a first convoy “within days” once Armenia confirms route security. Remote Services: Passport renewals, attestations and emergency travel certificates will be processed online until on-site operations resume. Ongoing Monitoring: Abuja says it is “fully engaged” with regional partners and will update citizens as the security picture evolves.
For the estimated 250–300 Nigerians currently in Iran, the ministry’s message is clear: “You have not been abandoned.” The coming days will reveal whether the Armenia corridor can safely deliver them home.
