By Wilson Musa
Nigeria has emerged as the first African nation to publicly condemn the rapidly escalating hostilities between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the State of Israel, issuing a forceful demand for an immediate cessation of violence. The Federal Government of Nigeria on Saturday decried what it termed “Israel’s preemptive strike on Iran” as the catalyst for the dangerous exchange of missiles and aerial assaults.
In a statement released by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, Nigeria conveyed its “grave concern” over the deepening crisis in the Middle East. The statement marks a significant and early intervention by an African power into a conflict with far-reaching international implications.
“The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria condemns Israel’s preemptive strike on Iran that has led to an escalation of hostilities between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the State of Israel, marked by sustained missile and aerial exchanges across both territories,” the official communication stated.
Abuja urged both Tel Aviv and Tehran to “exercise utmost restraint in the interest of regional and global peace,” warning that the “continued cycle of retaliation not only endangers civilian lives but threatens to plunge the broader Middle East into further instability, with implications for international security and economic development.”
Underlining its long-held foreign policy principles of peaceful coexistence, non-aggression, and multilateral diplomacy, Nigeria called on all parties to “prioritise dialogue over confrontation.” The statement specifically appealed to the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to “intensify efforts toward immediate de-escalation and to provide a platform for constructive engagement.”
“Military action is not a substitute for negotiation. The path to lasting peace lies in diplomacy, mutual respect, and adherence to international law,” the Ministry firmly asserted. Nigeria concluded by reaffirming its readiness to “support all genuine efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions and promoting peace in the region.”
Nigeria’s swift condemnation sets a precedent for how African nations might weigh in on global flashpoints, demonstrating a growing assertiveness in the continent’s diplomatic landscape. The intervention from Africa’s most populous country adds a new voice to the international chorus demanding an end to the escalating crisis.
