The Federal Government of Nigeria has called on state governments to complement national efforts in evacuating and resettling citizens stranded in high-risk zones abroad, emphasizing that no citizen should be left behind.
​The charge was delivered on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, during a diplomatic briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Headquarters in Abuja. Addressing key stakeholders, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar highlighted the need for a unified national response to safeguard overseas citizens.
​”Evacuation is only the first phase of relief,” Tuggar stated. “State governments must take active ownership of the integration process to ensure returnees can rebuild their lives safely and productively. No Nigerian should be left to face an uncertain fate.”
​The call comes as the government prepares for another scheduled airlift of 220 Nigerians currently stranded in North Africa. The charter flight is expected to touch down at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Friday, August 21, at 4:30 PM.
​Supporting the Minister’s position, Ministry Spokesperson Eche Abu-Obe noted that federal resources are stretched by recurring international crises. Abu-Obe stressed that sub-national interventions—such as temporary housing, skill acquisition programs, and healthcare access—are vital for long-term recovery.
​Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, also commended states that have established diaspora desks, encouraging others to follow suit to streamline emergency relief operations.
