The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed its condolences to the people and government of Iran following a tragic explosion at the Shahid Rajaee Port, near the Strait of Hormuz. The incident resulted in a significant loss of life, with at least 28 fatalities and over 800 injuries.

In a statement released by Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian government conveyed its solidarity with Iran, offering heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. The statement also acknowledged the rapid response of emergency personnel and emphasized the need for ongoing support for those affected by the disaster.

Separately, a powerful explosion at Iran’s Bandar Abbas port led to at least 40 deaths and over 1,000 injuries, with 190 individuals remaining hospitalized. Eyewitness accounts and reddish smoke suggest that chemicals may have contributed to the intensity of the blast. However, Iranian officials have denied any military involvement.

President Masoud Pezeshkian visited survivors on Sunday, April 27, assuring them of the government's full support and pledging a thorough investigation into the incident. The explosion, which struck the Shahid Rajaee section of the port, Iran’s main container hub, caused widespread damage, shattering windows several kilometers away and destroying substantial quantities of goods.

Footage captured a reddish-hued smoke rising before the explosion, hinting at the presence of chemicals, reminiscent of the 2020 Beirut port blast. Initial reports indicate a fire among containers carrying chemicals may have triggered the explosion; however, the precise cause is still under investigation. Social media speculation involving rocket fuel imported from China and used in missile propellant has been dismissed by an army spokesman.

Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesman for the national security and foreign policy committee of Iran’s parliament, stated that the materials involved in the Shahid Rajaee Port incident were not related to the country’s defense sector. The event has sparked public outrage, with many Iranians attributing it to government negligence.

Authorities reported that the fire was “under control” by Sunday, April 27, with emergency teams, helicopters, and cargo planes working overnight to extinguish the blaze with seawater. Concerns about chemical materials at the port, which are believed to have intensified the blaze, persist. President Masoud Pezeshkian visited the hospitalized survivors, vowing government support to all victims.

Investigations into safety procedures and storage practices at the vital port facility are underway, raising questions about adherence to safety protocols and the storage of hazardous materials.