The Nigerian government has called on the United States to ensure a fair and humane deportation process for its citizens, following plans to repatriate 85 Nigerians from the U.S. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the appeal on Sunday after meeting with U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., in Abuja.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu revealed that 201 Nigerians are currently in U.S. immigration detention centers, with 85 already approved for deportation. She emphasized that deportation affects not only the individuals involved but also their families in Nigeria, who rely on remittances for survival. She urged the U.S. government to ensure that deportees are given time to manage their assets before being repatriated.
Beyond the deportation issue, the minister also expressed concerns about the possible suspension of the U.S. Drop Box Visa System, a move that could make it harder for Nigerians to travel for work, education, or tourism. She called for an official U.S. statement to clarify the policy and ease growing anxieties.
Responding to these concerns, Ambassador Mills denied that the Drop Box Visa Policy had been suspended, explaining that it was under review as part of broader immigration reforms. He also reassured Nigerians that USAID remains committed to humanitarian and healthcare initiatives, despite operational challenges faced by some NGOs.
Mills further clarified that deported Nigerians would be returned to Lagos, prioritizing individuals convicted of crimes or those who had violated U.S. immigration laws. On trade relations, Odumegwu-Ojukwu encouraged U.S. investments in Nigeria’s mining sector and advocated for stronger economic cooperation between both nations.
As the U.S. continues to adjust its immigration policies, the Nigerian government remains focused on protecting the rights of its citizens abroad while maintaining diplomatic ties with Washington.
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