Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigerian government has denied receiving official notification about reports that Ghana accepted Nigerian nationals deported from the United States under a third-country arrangement.
Reuters reported that Ghana’s President, John Mahama, confirmed the arrival of 14 deportees, including Nigerians, in Accra. Mahama said Ghana accepted the returnees because West Africans “don’t need a visa” to enter the country.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, however, told journalists: “We have yet to be informed officially.”
Diplomats warned the move could strain relations. Retired Ambassador Mohammed Mabdul said, “Deportation issues must be managed carefully to avoid reigniting tensions,” recalling previous disputes between Nigeria and Ghana.
Other former diplomats noted that Ghana’s acceptance was logistical rather than bilateral, since ECOWAS citizens do not need visas to enter Ghana.
Nigeria had earlier rejected similar US requests under President Trump’s “third-country deportation” policy. Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar described the pressure as “unacceptable,” warning it unfairly burdens African countries.
The US has threatened visa sanctions against countries refusing to cooperate with its deportation policy, with Nigeria already facing tougher visa restrictions and stricter social media disclosure requirements for applicants.
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