Repatriation: Treat Nigerians with Dignity, Federal Gov’t Urges US

The Federal Government has called on the United States to adhere to established conventions regarding the deportation of immigrants, urging that Nigerians being repatriated should be treated with dignity. The government also raised concerns over the potential suspension of the US Dropbox Visa System.

The plea was made by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, during a courtesy visit by US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja. According to a statement by Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication & New Media to the Minister, Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized the emotional and financial hardship that Nigerian families in the US and their relatives back home face due to the repatriation process.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said that many Nigerians in the US rely on remittances to support their families, including funding the education of children in Nigeria. With reports indicating that about 201 Nigerian nationals are currently in US immigration camps, she urged the US Government to ensure that those facing deportation are given ample time to manage their assets in the US and that the repatriation process remains humane and respectful. She also expressed concern about those who have not committed violent crimes, emphasizing the trauma such individuals might endure during their deportation.

In addition to the repatriation issue, the Minister raised the possibility that the US may suspend the Dropbox Visa system, which has been a convenient option for many Nigerians seeking to travel to the US for legitimate reasons. She asked the US Government to clarify its position on the system, as many Nigerians were anxious about how the change could affect their visa applications.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu also addressed concerns regarding US policies on student visas, particularly for Nigerian students in the US, who rely on their education to build futures for themselves and their families. Approximately 14,000 Nigerian students are currently studying in the US, and their families are deeply worried about potential policy changes under the new US administration.

The Minister further discussed the uncertainty surrounding the future of USAID (United States Agency for International Development), which supports critical humanitarian initiatives, including health and mother-child programs in Nigeria. She appealed to the US Government to clarify the future of this initiative, as many NGOs in Nigeria were concerned about the ongoing review of USAID’s operations.

On the broader diplomatic front, Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized the need to boost bilateral relations between Nigeria and the US, particularly in trade and investment. She pointed to the underperformance in trade relations, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, and encouraged investments in sectors like mining, which could stimulate economic growth and diversify exports to the US. She also called for the reactivation of the ‘Silent Secretariat’ to better assess and improve the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

Addressing the challenges posed by illegal migration and the “Japa” syndrome, Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized that the current administration is focused on citizen diplomacy. She reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to tackling demographic challenges like unemployment, which often fuel illegal migration. She also highlighted Nigeria’s support for the ECOWAS free movement policy, despite the Sahel crises.

In response, US Ambassador Richard Mills expressed optimism about the future of US-Nigeria relations. He assured that the Dropbox Visa policy had not been suspended, explaining that policy changes occur with new administrations and that the full stance on the policy would be clarified in due course. Mills also acknowledged the role of USAID in providing life-saving humanitarian aid and assured that the review process would consider the impact on affected communities.

On the matter of deportation, Mills clarified that Nigerian immigrants being repatriated would be returned to Lagos, noting that those facing deportation are typically individuals who have committed crimes or violated US immigration laws. He also discussed the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which is set to end in September, stating that it would be up to the US Congressional group to push for its renewal.

Mills concluded by congratulating Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu on her recent appointment as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.