The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has issued a swift correction to a statement that was widely attributed to its spokesman, and the update changes the picture significantly.
In a statement released shortly after reports circulated quoting NiDCOM’s Director of Media and Public Relations Abdur-Rahman Balogun as saying no distress calls had been received from Nigerians in Iran, Balogun himself has come out to deny ever making that statement.
“I never issued such statement,” he said categorically.
On the contrary, Balogun clarified that NiDCOM has in fact received calls from Nigerians in Qatar, the UAE and Iran, with those callers specifically enquiring about evacuation preparations should the situation deteriorate further.
The Commission’s clarification also revealed that the Federal Government is already taking steps behind the scenes. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently working with all relevant agencies to determine appropriate next steps for Nigerians caught in the conflict zone.
Nigerians in affected countries have been urged to follow the travel advisory already issued by the Ministry and to contact the emergency numbers provided.
“The Federal Government is monitoring the situation and would take necessary steps to ensure no Nigerian life is lost,” the statement read.
This is a developing story. Further updates will be published as the Federal Government’s evacuation plans become clearer.
urn— Denies Issuing “No Distress Calls” Statement
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has issued a swift correction to a statement that was widely attributed to its spokesman, and the update changes the picture significantly.
In a statement released shortly after reports circulated quoting NiDCOM’s Director of Media and Public Relations Abdur-Rahman Balogun as saying no distress calls had been received from Nigerians in Iran,
Balogun himself has come out to deny ever making that statement.
“I never issued such statement,” he said categorically.
On the contrary, Balogun clarified that NiDCOM has in fact received calls from Nigerians in Qatar, the UAE and Iran, with those callers specifically enquiring about evacuation preparations should the situation deteriorate further.
The Commission’s clarification also revealed that the Federal Government is already taking steps behind the scenes. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently working with all relevant agencies to determine appropriate next steps for Nigerians caught in the conflict zone.
Nigerians in affected countries have been urged to follow the travel advisory already issued by the Ministry and to contact the emergency numbers provided.
“The Federal Government is monitoring the situation and would take necessary steps to ensure no Nigerian life is lost,” the statement read.
This is a developing story. Further updates will be published as the Federal Government’s evacuation plans become clearer.
