The Nigerian government has received 103 deportees from Turkey over migration issues. NCFRMI and NEMA promise support for reintegration. Deportees recount harsh detention conditions and allege unfair treatment by Turkish authorities.
The federal government has received 103 Nigerians deported from Turkey over migration-related issues, including expired visas and irregular migration. Tijani Ahmed, the federal commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), disclosed this during the deportees’ profiling in Abuja. Represented by Amb. Catherine Udida, director of migration affairs, Ahmed noted that the commission expected 110 deportees but received 103, all males.
"Some of them have been in the deportation camp for months, and we will follow up on all allegations gathered in their profiling," Ahmed stated. He emphasized that the NCFRMI is responsible for all returnees, irrespective of their status, and has programs to train and reintegrate them into society.
Bashir Garga, North-Central zonal coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), assured the returnees of government support through the collaborative efforts of relevant agencies.
One deportee, Arinze Stone, recounted being detained for six months in Turkey despite having lived there for years. He claimed that the Turkish authorities had been arresting individuals with expired or pending visas since the European Union began paying Turkey for managing illegal immigrants. Stone also noted that the promised deportation fee of about €2,500 was not paid.
Another deportee, Moses Emeh, said his resident permit was forcibly canceled despite having a registered company in Turkey for over eight years. He was detained for nearly a year before deportation. Both deportees highlighted the harsh conditions they faced, underscoring the need for proper documentation and support for migrants.
