The Nigerian Federal Government has indicated its readiness to accept and assist Nigerians who might be deported from the United States. This commitment arises in light of reports of increased immigration enforcement by U.S. officials.
In a statement On Tuesday Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the Director of Media and Corporate Affairs at the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), revealed that the government is taking proactive measures. He stated, “The Federal Government has formed an inter-agency committee comprised of representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NiDCOM, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to get ready for any potential mass deportation of Nigerians from the U.S.”
The inter-agency committee is responsible for handling logistical and welfare issues for returning citizens. Balogun, however, stated that there has been no official notification about upcoming deportations from the U.S.
Recent statistics from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) indicate that there are 3,690 Nigerians on the “non-detained docket” awaiting removal orders. Furthermore, 1,454 Nigerians are being held in ICE custody, with 772 detained due to criminal convictions or pending charges, while the others are held for immigration infractions like visa overstays.
