A Nigerian worker injured in last week’s gas facility explosion in Qatar has been discharged from hospital and is now recovering, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has confirmed.
The Commission announced the development on Saturday, expressing relief over the recovery of Jubril Akorede Abdulrahman, who was among dozens of workers injured in the industrial accident.
According to a statement issued by NiDCOM and signed by its Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the explosion occurred at the Barzan Gas Supply Facility in Ras Laffan on the night of Sunday, June 21, 2026.
NiDCOM said Abdulrahman sustained injuries during the incident but has since completed his treatment and was discharged from hospital. He is currently recuperating in 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, on Sunday, 21 June 2026,” the statement said.
The Commission disclosed that Nigeria’s Ambassador to Qatar, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, immediately stepped in after learning of the incident and maintained close communication with Qatari authorities to monitor the Nigerian’s condition.
According to NiDCOM, Ambassador Yakubu confirmed that the explosion occurred at about 10:30 p.m. local time at the Qatar Energy-operated facility.
“It was Ambassador Yakubu’s prompt intervention that ensured Mr. Abdulrahman’s situation was closely tracked and that the Nigerian government was kept informed every step of the way,” the Commission stated.
NiDCOM also referenced a press briefing held by Qatar Energy on June 22, during which the company explained that the explosion was accidental and not linked to sabotage, terrorism or any hostile act.
The energy firm further disclosed that the facility had only recently resumed operations after a scheduled shutdown that began in December 2025.
Emergency teams from Qatar Energy and the Qatar Civil Defence reportedly moved swiftly to contain the fire, preventing the situation from escalating further.
According to the Commission, a total of 66 people sustained injuries in the explosion.
“The explosion left 66 people injured and receiving medical treatment, none of whom are in a life-threatening condition,” the statement added.
Those injured included citizens 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 extended her sympathies to others still receiving treatment.
“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 commended Ambassador Yakubu for what the Commission described as exemplary consular service.
“NiDCOM warmly commended Ambassador Yakubu for his prompt intervention and unwavering monitoring of Abdulrahman’s condition from the moment news of the incident broke.
“The Commission noted that his swift action exemplified the kind of dedicated consular service that Nigerians abroad deserve and have every right to expect,” the statement added.
The explosion at the Barzan Gas Supply Facility attracted international attention after dozens of workers from several countries were injured.
Although the incident disrupted operations at the facility, Qatari authorities maintained that it was an industrial accident and had no connection to terrorism, sabotage or any form of hostile activity.
NiDCOM said it would continue to monitor the condition of Abdulrahman and any other Nigerians affected by the incident while working closely with the Nigerian Embassy in Qatar to ensure they receive the necessary support throughout their recovery.
