Emmanuel OchayiThe United States has commenced the deportation of Nigerian nationals, with 85 individuals set to arrive in Lagos. Another 116 Nigerians remain in detention across US immigration facilities.
The Nigerian government has expressed concerns over the process, urging US authorities to ensure a humane and dignified repatriation. Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, made this known in a statement released on Sunday by her media aide, Magnus Eze.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“With about 201 Nigerians currently detained in US immigration centres and about 85 cleared for deportation, we advocate for adherence to internationally prescribed guidelines,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
She further reiterated this stance in a post on her official X account on Monday, titled “US Deportations Begin.”
Lagos to Receive All Nigerian Deportees
The US has confirmed that all deported Nigerians will be flown directly to Lagos, with no alternative destinations such as Abuja or Port Harcourt.
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US immigration officials also stated that convicted criminals would be among the first group of deportees.
“The first group will be convicted prisoners—those who committed crimes and are in US prisons. Some of them have violated immigration laws, appealed their cases, but were denied,” a US official, Mills, stated.
According to him, these individuals had been ordered to leave the country but had remained despite legal rulings against them.
Nigerian Government Calls for Dignified Return
The Nigerian government has urged the US to ensure a fair and dignified deportation process, emphasising the emotional and financial effects on deportees and their families.
“With the new administration in the US, we want a situation where there will be commitments. If there will be repatriation, we want a dignified return,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
She highlighted concerns about the short notice given to deportees and the impact on their families in Nigeria.
“Many of these people have children whose school fees they pay. They also have properties in the US. Will they be given enough time to sort out their affairs, or will they just be bundled into planes and repatriated?” she asked.
The Nigerian government has also questioned whether deportees will be allowed to retrieve their belongings before leaving.
Trump’s Immigration Crackdown and Nigerian Deportees
The deportation process is part of the broader immigration policies introduced by the Donald Trump administration. On his first day as the 47th President of the United States, Trump signed several executive orders tightening immigration laws.
These policies include ending birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants and deploying more troops to the US-Mexico border. Trump has also pledged to deport millions of undocumented immigrants.
These measures have heightened concerns among immigrant communities, including Nigerians, many of whom fear sudden deportation.
The Nigerian government has continued to monitor the situation closely and is in talks with US authorities to ensure the rights of deportees are protected.
Families in Nigeria Express Worry
Relatives of the Nigerian deportees have expressed deep concern over the fate of their loved ones. Some fear financial hardship, as many of the deportees were their family’s primary source of income.
A Lagos-based businessman, Sunday Amen, whose brother is among those detained in the US, said the family is in distress.
“He has lived in the US for 10 years, worked hard, and sent money home regularly. Now, they want to deport him without giving him time to prepare. What happens to his business? What happens to us, his family?” Amen lamented.
Other families are worried about how deportees will reintegrate into society after years abroad. Some fear they will face stigma and economic hardship upon their return.
What Next for Nigerian Deportees?
As Nigerian deportees arrive in Lagos, authorities in Nigeria will need to assist them in reintegrating into society. This includes providing support for those who have lost their livelihoods due to deportation.
The Nigerian government has promised to ensure that deportees receive fair treatment upon arrival. However, many are calling for more action to help affected individuals rebuild their lives.
With more Nigerians still in detention in the US, the situation remains uncertain. The Nigerian government has pledged to continue engaging with US authorities to advocate for the rights of its citizens.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
