Protection and Possible Evacuation of Nigerians in War-Affected Middle East Regions: Imperatives for Legislative Actions

Abstract

The ongoing escalation of hostilities involving Iran, the United States, and Israel is slowly approaching its fifth week, with missile and drone exchanges spreading and affecting several parts of the Middle East. Recent reports indicate that Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles targeting the United Arab Emirates on 14 March 2026. According to the UAE Ministry of Defence, air defence systems intercepted several incoming threats, including nine ballistic missiles and 33 drones. Despite these interceptions, the attacks reportedly resulted in six fatalities and 141 injuries, including foreign nationals residing in the country. Media reports further indicate that Nigerian citizens were among those injured, alongside nationals from several other countries. The UAE hosts a significant Nigerian diaspora population working in sectors such as construction, logistics, hospitality, and trade, particularly in major cities including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. These developments have therefore heightened concerns regarding the safety and welfare of thousands of Nigerians living and working in the Gulf region. The situation raises several policy concerns. First, the expansion of hostilities across the Gulf region increases the risk that strategic infrastructure and urban centres where foreign workers reside could become targets of further military strikes. Second, the large Nigerian diaspora population in the UAE and neighbouring Gulf states means that prolonged conflict could expose many Nigerians to direct security risks. Third, the absence of publicly communicated updates from Nigeria’s foreign policy authorities regarding the safety of affected Nigerians or possible contingency measures may contribute to anxiety among diaspora communities and their families in Nigeria. Previous international crises have shown that timely evacuation planning and coordinated diplomatic engagement are critical in safeguarding citizens during armed conflicts abroad. Given the constitutional responsibility of the National Assembly to ensure the protection of Nigerian citizens and to oversee foreign policy institutions, legislative engagement is necessary to assess Nigeria’s preparedness to respond to potential risks facing its citizens in the region. In light of these issues, the National Assembly, through its Committees on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, may consider the following actions: 1. Invite the Minister of Foreign Affairs and relevant officials to brief the committees on the number of Nigerians residing in the UAE and other Gulf countries, the status and conditions of Nigerians reportedly injured in the recent attacks, and steps being taken to ensure their safety and welfare. 2. Request details on contingency evacuation plans for Nigerians in the region should the conflict escalate further. 3. Encourage Nigerian diplomatic missions in the region to strengthen emergency communication channels, ensuring that consular support lines and assistance platforms remain accessible and responsive to Nigerians requiring urgent assistance. 4. Urge Nigerian missions in the region to maintain regular engagement with diaspora communities and recognised Nigerian associations, providing timely security updates, travel advisories, and guidance. 5. Consider reviewing Nigeria’s national emergency evacuation framework for citizens abroad, including funding arrangements, logistical preparedness and inter-agency coordination mechanisms during international crises.