Injured Nigerian discharged after Qatar gas facility explosion – NiDCOM confirms

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, has confirmed that a Nigerian worker injured in last week’s explosion at the Barzan Gas Supply Facility in Ras Laffan, Qatar, has been discharged from hospital and is recovering.

The commission disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday, identifying the victim as Jubril Akorede Abdulrahman and expressing relief over his successful recovery.

According to the statement signed by NiDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Abdulrahman was among dozens of workers injured when an explosion triggered a fire at the Qatar Energy-operated gas facility on the night of June 21, 2026.

NiDCOM said the Nigerian has since completed medical treatment and is currently recuperating at accommodation provided by his employer.

“The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, has confirmed that Mr Abdulrahman is alive, discharged from hospital, and currently recuperating at accommodation provided by his employer following the explosion and fire that struck the Barzan Gas Supply Facility in Ras Laffan, Qatar,” the statement stated.

The commission commended Nigeria’s Ambassador to Qatar, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, for his swift intervention, noting that he immediately engaged Qatari authorities after learning of the incident and closely monitored Abdulrahman’s condition throughout his treatment.

According to NiDCOM, the Ambassador confirmed that the explosion occurred at about 10:30 p.m. local time, prompting an immediate emergency response from Qatar Energy and the Qatar Civil Defence, who successfully contained the fire.

“It was Ambassador Yakubu’s prompt intervention that ensured Mr Abdulrahman’s situation was closely monitored and that the Nigerian government remained fully informed throughout the incident,” the commission stated.

NiDCOM also referenced a press briefing by Qatar Energy on June 22, during which the company clarified that the explosion resulted from an industrial accident and was not linked to sabotage, terrorism or any hostile activity.

The company further explained that the Barzan Gas Supply Facility had only recently resumed operations after undergoing a scheduled maintenance shutdown that began in December 2025.

The commission disclosed that 66 people sustained injuries in the incident, adding that none of the victims suffered life-threatening wounds.

“The explosion left 66 people injured and receiving medical treatment, none of whom are in a life-threatening condition,” the statement added.

Those affected include nationals of Qatar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, India and Nepal.

Reacting to Abdulrahman’s recovery, NiDCOM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, expressed gratitude that the Nigerian survived the incident and wished other injured workers a speedy recovery.

“We are glad that Jubril Abdulrahman is recovering and in safe hands. Our prayers are with him and with everyone still receiving treatment,” Dabiri-Erewa said.

She also urged Qatar Energy to continue providing adequate medical care and welfare support to all workers affected by the explosion until they fully recover.

Dabiri-Erewa further praised Ambassador Yakubu for what she described as exemplary consular service, saying his prompt response reflected the level of support Nigerians abroad deserve from the country’s diplomatic missions.

The explosion at the Barzan Gas Supply Facility attracted international attention after injuring dozens of workers from several countries.

NiDCOM said it would continue working closely with the Nigerian Embassy in Qatar to monitor the condition of affected Nigerians and ensure they receive the necessary assistance throughout their recovery.