FG Calls on US to Adhere to global Standards on Deportation 

Abuja, Nigeria  — The Federal Government has urged the United States to comply with international protocols in the deportation of Nigerian immigrants.

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

Addressing concerns over reports that 201 Nigerians were held in US immigration facilities, with 85 already slated for deportation, Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized the need for a dignified and orderly return process, allowing affected individuals time to settle personal affairs.

She also urged the US to reconsider any plans to discontinue the Drop Box Visa System, a program that has eased travel for many Nigerians. Calling for an official clarification, she stressed the importance of maintaining accessible visa policies to facilitate stronger bilateral ties.

Furthermore, the minister highlighted concerns regarding the status of Nigerian students in the US and the potential impact on USAID programs, urging sustained collaboration between both nations.

In response, Ambassador Mills reassured that the Drop Box Visa System had not been abolished but was undergoing review. He also stated that deported 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 advocate for its renewal to sustain economic benefits.

The meeting came amid heightened immigration enforcement in the US, with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) identifying 3,690 Nigerians among nearly two million individuals slated for deportation under President Donald Trump’s administration.

The discussions underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of its citizens while fostering diplomatic and economic cooperation with the US.

By Taiwo  Olatinwo| February 17, 2025