Despite deportation orders being issued, 85 Nigerians remain in U.S. detention facilities, awaiting repatriation, according to Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
According to Business Day, she clarified that their deportation is not a direct result of President Donald Trump’s renewed crackdown on undocumented immigrants but rather part of routine immigration enforcement.
Her statement comes amid concerns over the prolonged detention of Nigerian deportees and bureaucratic delays affecting their return. She emphasized that migration should not be criminalized, calling for a humane and dignified repatriation process.
“A migrant is not a criminal; they were simply seeking a better life. If they must return, the process should be handled with dignity and respect,” she stated.
Dabiri-Erewa also highlighted Nigeria’s collaborative efforts with various government agencies, including the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Immigration, to support returnees’ reintegration.
Beyond the current deportation concerns, she raised alarms about the increasing number of Nigerians stranded in countries like Iraq and Libya due to human trafficking and irregular migration, urging stricter action against traffickers.
Public affairs analyst Olusola Taiwo suggested that diplomatic discussions between Nigeria and the U.S. might be contributing to the delay in deportations. He pointed out that factors such as flight availability, diplomatic agreements, and enforcement strategies could be influencing the repatriation process.
Although the U.S. initiated deportation proceedings against thousands of undocumented immigrants three weeks ago, Nigeria has yet to receive any of its affected citizens. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Acting Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, confirmed there were no new updates regarding the arrival of deported Nigerians.
According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), at least 3,690 Nigerians are facing deportation following Trump’s recent executive orders reversing previous immigration reforms. These policies have intensified crackdowns on undocumented migrants, including thousands of Nigerians.
To support returning citizens, the Nigerian government has put measures in place, including a facility at Lagos airport to assist deportees. Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo assured that the government is committed to managing migration policies responsibly.
The delay in deportations has also been linked to Nigeria’s ongoing discussions with the U.S. over the treatment of detained individuals. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu recently met with U.S. Ambassador Richard Mills Jr., advocating for a repatriation process that respects international standards and ensures deportees have adequate time to settle their affairs before returning.
“With the new U.S. administration, we seek commitments to ensure deportations are carried out with dignity,” she stated.
Official records indicate that 201 Nigerian nationals are currently in U.S. immigration detention centers, with 85 already cleared for deportation. The Nigerian government continues to push for a fair and humane process that minimizes trauma for those affected.
