The Nigerian government has urged the United States to ensure fairness and dignity in the deportation of Nigerians, stressing the emotional and financial burden such actions impose on affected individuals and their families. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, raised these concerns in a meeting with US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., following reports that 201 Nigerians are currently detained in US immigration centres, with 85 already cleared for deportation. She emphasised that many Nigerians in the US support relatives back home through remittances, funding their Education and daily needs, and questioned whether those being deported would be given sufficient time to handle their assets before being repatriated. She also raised concerns about the possible suspension of the Drop Box Visa System, which enables Nigerians to renew visas without in-person interviews, warning that any disruptions could cause unnecessary difficulties for thousands of travellers.
Beyond the immediate economic implications, Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted the potential impact on Nigerian students in the US, with around 14,000 of them relying on financial support from home. Any changes to immigration policies could affect their ability to continue their education, adding to the uncertainty many Nigerian families are already facing. The minister also raised concerns over the ongoing review of USAID-funded programmes, which provide vital humanitarian assistance in Nigeria. With reports that some non-governmental organisations are already feeling the strain of potential funding cuts, she appealed for continued support, arguing that withdrawing aid would have a severe impact on disadvantaged communities in Nigeria and other parts of Africa. She noted that even before the review is completed, fears are growing over the possible suspension or restructuring of key initiatives.
US envoy clarifies that deportees will be sent to Lagos.
In response, Ambassador Mills clarified that the Drop Box Visa System had not been suspended but was under review, as is customary with a new administration. He explained that the deportations would focus primarily on convicted criminals and individuals who had violated US immigration laws, adding that those to be repatriated would arrive in Lagos, with no alternative entry points such as Abuja or Port Harcourt. While acknowledging concerns from Nigerian officials and Civil Society groups, he stated that the US remains committed to diplomatic engagement and that policy reviews would be conducted with consideration for humanitarian impact. However, he maintained that immigration violations carry legal consequences, and individuals who have exhausted their appeals should expect to be deported.
These developments come amid a broader crackdown on immigration by the administration of President Donald Trump, who has signed executive orders tightening border controls and ending birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants. His administration’s pledge to deport millions of undocumented individuals has created anxiety among immigrant communities, including Nigerians who have lived in the US for years. The uncertainty surrounding visa policies and USAID funding has also raised questions about the future of US-Nigeria relations. While the Nigerian government continues to push for fair treatment of its nationals, these policy shifts highlight the challenges many countries face in navigating changing global immigration policies.
Mass deportation may worsen Nigeria’s unemployment crisis.
Furthermore, the tightening of US immigration laws has also reignited debates on Nigeria’s economic reliance on remittances. With the country receiving billions of dollars annually from its diaspora, the forced return of many undocumented migrants could have ripple effects beyond the affected individuals. A sudden influx of deportees could exacerbate Nigeria’s already high Unemployment rate, placing additional strain on an Economy still struggling with Inflation and currency devaluation. Some analysts argue that Nigeria must develop stronger policies to support returnees, ensuring they are reintegrated into society without falling into financial distress.
For students and professionals in the US on valid visas, the uncertainty surrounding policy changes remains a source of concern. Many fear that stricter regulations could make it more difficult to renew visas or secure long-term residency, potentially disrupting their academic and career ambitions. Nigerian students studying in the US, in particular, may face challenges if policies on international education funding shift, reducing the number of scholarships or work opportunities available to foreign students. Given that Nigerian students contribute significantly to US universities through tuition fees, some institutions may also feel the impact of reduced enrolment.
Related Article: US to deport 3,690 Nigerian illegal migrants
As these issues unfold, the Nigerian government faces the challenge of balancing diplomacy with the need to protect its citizens abroad. While it continues to push for humane treatment in deportation cases, there is also an urgent need to address domestic factors driving migration in the first place. Strengthening the economy, expanding job opportunities, and improving education and healthcare systems could reduce the number of Nigerians seeking better prospects abroad. However, until these changes materialise, many Nigerians in the US remain uncertain about their future, anxiously watching how policy decisions will affect their lives.