By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Federal Government has reaffirmed Nigeria’s neutral stance on the escalating tensions involving Yemen, Saudi Arabia and other actors in the Middle East, while calling for an immediate de-escalation of hostilities to safeguard global energy supplies and international maritime trade.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Mr Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa said Nigeria was deeply concerned about the growing insecurity in the Middle East warning that continued attacks and threats to maritime navigation could disrupt one of the world’s most strategic shipping routes and further destabilize the global economy.
The spokesperson noted that the renewed tensions come at a time when the world is still grappling with the economic consequences of the Russia-Ukraine war and other global conflicts, which have already disrupted food and energy supplies and slowed economic growth.
“As a major oil-producing nation, Nigeria believes that any blockade of critical maritime routes or sustained attacks on commercial shipping will have severe implications for global oil supply chains, increase shipping and insurance costs, and push international oil prices higher,” the spokesperson said.
Nigeria also expressed sympathy with Saudi Arabia over reported attacks on its oil facilities, stressing that instability in the region threatens energy security and disproportionately affects developing economies that depend on stable oil markets and affordable energy imports.
The government welcomed the recent cessation of hostilities between the United States and Iran following nearly two weeks of conflict and urged all parties, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, the United States and the Houthi group in Yemen, to exercise maximum restraint and embrace dialogue through established diplomatic and multilateral channels.
According to the ministry, restoring the safety and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz remains essential to ensuring uninterrupted global energy supplies and protecting the world economy.
Responding to questions from journalists, the spokesperson emphasized that Nigeria was not taking sides in the conflict but was acting in line with its longstanding foreign policy of neutrality and non-alignment.
“We are not supporting any party. Our concern is the rising tension and its consequences for global trade, energy security and the welfare of Nigerians living in the Gulf region,” the spokesperson said.
The ministry disclosed that thousands of Nigerians reside and work across Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and the United Arab Emirates, making regional stability a matter of national interest.
The spokesperson recalled that during recent hostilities, some Nigerians reportedly sustained injuries from missile debris in parts of the Gulf, underscoring the need for a peaceful resolution of the crisis.
On Nigeria’s diplomatic relations with Middle Eastern countries, the ministry said ties remain cordial, citing recent high-level engagements with officials from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
The ministry also explained that prolonged disruptions to shipping routes would increase maritime transport costs, delay international trade and negatively affect Nigeria’s exports, including liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Addressing concerns over Nigeria’s policy of neutrality, the spokesperson maintained that the country’s position is rooted in its long-standing non-aligned foreign policy, which prioritizes Nigeria’s national interests over taking sides in international conflicts.
The ministry also responded to questions on attacks against Nigerians in South Africa, confirming that the Federal Government remains engaged with South African authorities and ECOWAS to address the issue.
It disclosed that Nigeria and Ghana had raised concerns over xenophobic attacks during the recent ECOWAS ministerial meeting, adding that the matter would also be tabled before the African Union.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s previous diplomatic actions against South Africa, the ministry said the government was carefully assessing appropriate measures and assured Nigerians that further decisions would be communicated in due course.
