Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, urges the U.S. to treat deported Nigerians with dignity as 85 are set for repatriation. She calls for a review of U.S. visa policies and for individuals to be allowed to settle their affairs before deportation.
The Nigerian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has called on the United States to ensure that the deportation process for Nigerians adheres to established protocols, stressing the importance of treating individuals with dignity. This appeal comes as 85 Nigerians are set to be deported as part of a broader repatriation effort.
In a statement issued from Abuja, Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted the emotional and financial strain that deportation could have on the affected Nigerians and their families. She emphasized that deported individuals must be allowed to manage their affairs, such as securing their assets, before being sent back to Nigeria. Many of these Nigerians have been living in the U.S. for years and have families relying on their remittances for survival and education.
The minister also voiced concerns about the potential suspension of the U.S. Drop Box Visa System, which allows Nigerians to renew their visas without appearing in person. Odumegwu-Ojukwu urged the U.S. government to reconsider its stance on the policy, citing the burdens it could place on legitimate travelers.
Meanwhile, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria Richard Mills Jr. reassured that the Drop Box Visa Policy had not been suspended, but was under review due to policy adjustments under the new administration. Mills also clarified that deported Nigerians would be returned to Lagos, with convicted criminals and immigration law violators among the first to be repatriated. He reiterated the U.S.'s commitment to strengthening trade relations with Nigeria and supporting critical programs through USAID, despite challenges faced by some NGOs.
