FG urges US to follow international rules on deportations

The Federal Government has urged the United States to adhere to international conventions when repatriating Nigerian immigrants.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the call during a meeting with the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., at her office in Abuja.

She expressed concerns over reports that 201 Nigerians were in US immigration camps, with 85 already cleared for deportation. The minister emphasised the need for a dignified return, allowing those affected time to retrieve their assets.

Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu also urged the US to reconsider any plans to suspend the Drop Box Visa System, which many Nigerians rely on for ease of travel. She called for an official statement to clarify the US position.

The minister further raised concerns about the future of Nigerian students in the US and the uncertainty surrounding USAID programs, stressing the need for continued bilateral cooperation.

In response, Ambassador Mills assured that the Drop Box Visa System had not been suspended but was under review. He also clarified that repatriated individuals would be returned to Lagos, with priority given to those convicted of crimes or violating immigration laws.

On trade relations, Mills noted that the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) was set to expire in September and encouraged Nigeria to push for its renewal.

He reaffirmed the US commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic ties with Nigeria.

The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) identified 3,690 Nigerians among nearly two million non-citizens slated for deportation as part of a sweeping crackdown on illegal immigration under President Donald Trump’s administration.

Writing by Hamza Alkali; Editing by Abdullahi Lamino