Nigeria Issues Travel Warning for Citizens in Iran and Gulf States Amidst Middle East Tensions

Nigerian Government Advises Caution in Middle East

The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a comprehensive travel and safety advisory for its citizens residing in or planning to travel to the Islamic Republic of Iran and other neighboring Gulf States. The warning, released on Saturday, February 28, 2026, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, comes in response to escalating military actions and heightened tensions across the Middle East.

According to a statement signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government is 'closely monitoring the evolving and volatile situation' in the region. The advisory follows reports of airstrikes reportedly undertaken by Israel and the United States against targets in Iran, and subsequent retaliatory actions by Iran in some Gulf countries.

Key Recommendations for Nigerian Nationals

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has outlined several critical recommendations for Nigerian citizens in the affected areas to ensure their safety and well-being. These include:

• Maintaining Constant Vigilance: Citizens are advised to remain 'extremely vigilant and conscious of their surroundings at all times'.
• Avoiding Strategic Locations: Nigerians should steer clear of areas known to be strategic, military, or government installations, as these are identified as potential flashpoints.
• Restricting Non-Essential Movement: The advisory strongly recommends limiting non-essential movement and travel within the affected countries until the security situation stabilizes.
• Avoiding Gatherings: Citizens are urged to avoid large gatherings and public demonstrations.
• Complying with Local Directives: Strict compliance with all security and safety directives issued by local authorities is paramount for personal safety.

Affected Gulf States and Consular Support

The travel warning specifically extends to Nigerian citizens in Iran and neighboring Gulf countries, including Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Saudi Arabia. The Nigerian Embassy in Tehran and other missions in these Gulf nations have been placed on high alert to provide consular assistance and facilitate communication for Nigerian nationals.

The government emphasized that the safety and well-being of Nigerian citizens abroad remain a top priority. It also appealed to all parties involved in the conflict to 'de-escalate the crisis by returning to the negotiation table for the interests of global peace and coexistence'. Citizens are encouraged to stay informed through reliable international and local news sources and to rely on official channels for accurate safety information.