The United States has begun deportation proceedings for Nigerian nationals, with 85 individuals set to arrive in Lagos, while 116 others remain in detention. The Federal Government has expressed concerns over the process, calling for a more humane approach. According to Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, “with about 201 Nigerians currently detained in US immigration centres and about 85 cleared for deportation,” the government is advocating for adherence to internationally prescribed guidelines.
The US has confirmed that deported Nigerians will be flown directly to Lagos, with individuals serving prison sentences in the US being among the first group of deportees. According to Mills, “those to be repatriated would be dropped in Lagos. There would not be room for whether it should be in Port Harcourt or Abuja.”
The deportation process has raised concerns about the emotional and financial impact on Nigerians in the US and their families. Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized the need for humane and compliant processes, stating that “we want a situation where there will be commitments. If there will be repatriation, we want a dignified return.”
The US immigration crackdown is part of a broader policy shift under the Donald Trump Administration. On his first day in office, Trump signed several executive orders aimed at tightening immigration policies, including ending birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants and declaring a national emergency at the US-Mexico border.
The policy shifts have heightened concerns among immigrant communities, with many expressing fears about their safety and well-being. The Nigerian government has urged the US to consider the humanitarian implications of its actions and to ensure that deportations are carried out in a dignified and respectful manner.
The deportation of Nigerian nationals has also raised questions about the impact on families and communities in Nigeria. Many of those being deported have family members and dependents in Nigeria, and their removal could have significant economic and social implications.
The Nigerian government has called for greater cooperation and dialogue with the US on immigration issues, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced and humane approach. Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated that “we are asking as a country whether they will be given ample time to handle their assets or will they just be bundled into planes and repatriated?”
