Nigeria Appeals To U.S. Over Controversial Deportation Of Citizens: Tensions Rise

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has expressed deep concern over the deportation of Nigerians from the United States.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Highlighting the emotional and financial strain these deportations are placing on Nigerians in the U.S. and their families back home, the Minister urged Washington to adhere to international conventions ensuring a respectful and dignified repatriation process.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu shared these concerns during a meeting with U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr.

In a statement signed by her media aide, Magnus Eze, on Sunday, Odumegwu-Ojukwu revealed that “with about 201 Nigerians currently detained in U.S. immigration centers and 85 cleared for deportation,” the Federal Government is advocating for a more compassionate approach to the process.

She pointed out that many Nigerians in the U.S. provide essential financial support to their families in Nigeria, contributing to their well-being and funding education.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized that deportations, especially for individuals with no history of violent crime, should not be traumatic or abrupt. “We are asking as a country whether they will be given sufficient time to manage their assets, or will they simply be rushed onto planes for repatriation?” she questioned.

The Minister also voiced concerns over the potential suspension of the U.S.’s Drop Box Visa System, which has allowed Nigerians to renew visas without in-person interviews.

Additionally, Odumegwu-Ojukwu raised alarms about the ongoing review of USAID programs, which are crucial to humanitarian efforts in Nigeria. She called for transparency, stressing that any reduction in aid would severely impact vulnerable communities in Nigeria and across Africa.

“We cannot confirm if it’s an outright suspension, but many NGOs are seeking clarification. We want to make this appeal on their behalf. Even less than a month into the 90-day review, there are concerns. Humanitarian issues are already prevalent in Nigeria and Africa,” the Minister stated. “We urge that this initiative be preserved, and if it is phased out as an agency, there must be a way to maintain its ideals to ensure the poor in these communities are not left behind.”

In response, Ambassador Mills reassured that the Drop Box Visa System had not been suspended, clarifying that the U.S. is simply undergoing a typical policy review as part of the transition to a new administration.