The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced its readiness to receive citizens who may be deported from the United States. This assurance was provided by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), emphasizing the government’s commitment to the welfare of its nationals abroad.
Abdur-Rahman Balogun, NiDCOM’s Director of Media and Corporate Affairs, stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is overseeing the situation. He highlighted that the government has established an inter-agency committee to manage potential mass deportations. This committee includes representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NiDCOM, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Recent reports indicate that approximately 3,690 Nigerians in the U.S. are facing deportation due to intensified immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s administration. A document from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) revealed that, as of November 24, 2024, there are over 1.4 million non-citizens with final removal orders, with Nigerians comprising a notable portion of this group.
Balogun clarified that NiDCOM is not currently aware of any Nigerians being processed for deportation. He reiterated the government’s preparedness to support its citizens, stating, “The Federal Government has set up an inter-agency committee… should there be mass deportation of Nigerians from the U.S.”
This development underscores the Nigerian government’s proactive approach to addressing the challenges faced by its diaspora community, ensuring that deported individuals are received and reintegrated appropriately.
