Nigerians residing in Kuwait and Bahrain have been advised to stay calm and remain vigilant as conflict in the Middle East continues.
This was contained in a travel advisory issued by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Kuwait on Sunday, March 1.
Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who amplified the advisory, urged Nigerians in Kuwait and Bahrain to remain vigilant amid rising regional tensions.
The advisory, issued by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Kuwait, which has concurrent accreditation to Bahrain, cautioned citizens to stay alert and comply strictly with host country safety directives.
“In view of the prevailing circumstances in the region, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the State of Kuwait with concurrent accreditation to the Kingdom of Bahrain, wishes to advise all Nigerian nationals in both countries to remain vigilant, observe safety guidelines, advisories from the host governments, and remain calm at all times.”
The circular comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly the conflict involving Israel and Iran.
Rising Anxiety Among Nigerians Abroad
The advisory triggered immediate reactions on X (formerly Twitter), where some Nigerians in the Gulf region expressed fear, frustration, and even a desire to return home.
One user, MoCrown (Modupe Adeboye-Ayoroh), wrote, “This Nigerian wishes to return already.”
In an earlier post, she referenced a Nigerian doctor in Bahrain lamenting the worsening situation and expressing willingness to return to Nigeria if possible.
Another user, @Eljefe_Ng, criticized the embassy’s communication channels, questioning the continued use of Yahoo Mail for official correspondence in 2026 and urging improvements in digital communication standards.
Others used the moment to reflect on economic realities driving migration. A user identified as @Gandokky_JP wrote,
“Wetin I wan go find for Kuwait and Bahrain, if not for the bad governance and poor economy.”
Meanwhile, some Nigerians simply sought clarity, with one user requesting a similar advisory for citizens in Qatar.
Why the Advisory Matters
Though Kuwait and Bahrain are not direct parties to the Israel-Iran conflict, both countries are located in a geopolitically sensitive region where security situations can shift rapidly. Diplomatic missions often issue precautionary advisories in such circumstances to ensure citizens remain informed and prepared.
NiDCOM’s amplification of the embassy’s circular underscores the Federal Government’s continued focus on diaspora welfare, particularly in volatile regions. The commission has, in recent years, taken a more proactive role in monitoring the safety of Nigerians abroad and coordinating responses during emergencies.
A Familiar Pattern of Concern
This is not the first time Nigerians in the Middle East have faced uncertainty during regional escalations. Past conflicts and diplomatic crises have led to evacuation efforts and emergency interventions.
However, at this stage, there has been no official evacuation order, only a call for vigilance and calm.
For many Nigerians in the Gulf, the advisory serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between economic opportunity abroad and exposure to geopolitical risks.
What Nigerians in Kuwait and Bahrain Should Do
Authorities advise citizens to stay updated through official embassy channels, follow security advisories issued by host governments, avoid panic and unnecessary movement, and maintain regular contact with Nigerian diplomatic missions.
NiDCOM’s decision to amplify the embassy’s advisory underscores the Federal Government’s emphasis on diaspora welfare. Over the years, the commission has taken on a more visible role in monitoring the safety of Nigerians abroad, particularly during crises, and coordinating with diplomatic missions to provide guidance and support when needed.
READ ALSO:
- Thousands of Flights Remain Cancelled, Billions of Dollars Lost as U.S.-Israel War Against Iran Continues
- Trump Vows to Continue Attacks on Iran, Says More US Troops ‘Likely’ to Die
- U.S.-Israeli Attack on Iran: FAAN Issues Travel Advisory as Flight Disruptions Rock Middle East
- Iran Confirms Supreme Leader Khamenei ‘Killed’ in US-Israeli Strikes, Vows Revenge
At present, there has been no directive for evacuation or relocation. The advisory remains precautionary, emphasizing vigilance rather than alarm. Nigerians in Kuwait and Bahrain have been encouraged to stay informed through official embassy communications, comply with host government advisories, avoid unnecessary exposure to risk, and maintain calm while the situation continues to evolve.
For now, the message from Nigerian authorities is measured but firm. Nigerians in the affected region should remain alert, follow local security instructions, and avoid panic as diplomatic and security developments unfold.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
