The United States has announced plans to deport Nigerian nationals convicted of crimes or found in violation of U.S. immigration laws, with all deportations set to be routed exclusively through Lagos.
U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., disclosed this during a meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
According to Ambassador Mills Jr., the deportation process will prioritize Nigerian convicts currently serving prison sentences in the U.S. before addressing immigration offenders who have exhausted all legal appeals.
“The first group to be repatriated will consist of convicted prisoners—those who have committed crimes and are currently serving sentences in U.S. prisons. Others include individuals who have clearly violated U.S. immigration laws, appealed their cases but were denied, and remained in the country unlawfully,” Mills Jr. stated.
Responding to the announcement, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu urged the U.S. government to ensure that the repatriation process follows international protocols and respects the dignity of affected individuals.
“With the new U.S. administration, we hope for a commitment to humane repatriation,” she said. “Currently, about 201 Nigerians are in U.S. immigration detention centers, with 85 already cleared for deportation.”
The minister also highlighted the potential social and economic challenges the deportees might face upon their return.
“These individuals have families who rely on them, and their abrupt return will impose both financial and emotional burdens,” she noted.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu further raised concerns about whether deportees would be given adequate time to manage their affairs before repatriation.
“We need clarity on whether they will be given time to settle their assets or if they will simply be placed on planes without consideration. This process will be especially distressing for those who have not committed violent crimes,” she added.
With the first batch of deportations expected soon, Nigerian authorities are seeking assurances that the rights of affected individuals will be protected during the process.
