By Ayomide Otitoju
The Federal Government has called for immediate de-escalation and maximum restraint in the Gulf region following coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran.
Missile strikes were launched on Iran in the early hours of Saturday, prompting retaliatory attacks by Tehran in parts of the Gulf.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, urged all parties involved in the escalating conflict to exercise maximum restraint and avoid actions capable of worsening hostilities.
Ebienfa emphasised the need to prioritise dialogue over confrontation, calling for strict adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter and the Geneva Conventions, particularly in relation to sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
“Nigeria calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from actions that could intensify hostilities, and to prioritise dialogue over confrontation,” he said.
He underscored the imperative of caution in the use of lethal force to prevent further civilian casualties and safeguard established norms of international law. Preserving the existing legal framework governing the use of force, he added, remains critical to protecting victims, shielding civilian populations, and maintaining international order.
Ebienfa reaffirmed Nigeria’s longstanding foreign policy stance anchored on non-alignment, multilateralism, and constructive engagement, pledging support for renewed diplomatic efforts within established international and regional frameworks to resolve the crisis.
He also welcomed confidence-building measures, mediation initiatives, and dialogue among stakeholders, encouraging all sides to pursue a peaceful resolution in the interest of collective security and shared prosperity.
“The Government of Nigeria stands in solidarity with the international community in its call for calm and remains steadfast in its conviction that sustainable peace can only be secured through diplomacy, mutual respect, and faithful adherence to international law,” he added.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to promoting peace, stability, and respect for international norms, highlighting the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing emerging global security challenges.
