The federal government has disclosed that 201 Nigerians are detained in U.S. immigration camps, with 85 already cleared for deportation.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, revealed this during a courtesy visit by U.S. Ambassador Richard Mills Jr. in Abuja.
The meeting, confirmed in a statement by media aide Magnus Eze, focused on immigration policies and diplomatic cooperation between both nations.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu raised concerns about the treatment of deportees, urging adherence to international conventions ensuring dignity during repatriation processes.
She emphasized the need for deportees to receive adequate time to manage personal assets and make necessary arrangements before leaving.
“At present, 201 Nigerians are in U.S. immigration camps, and 85 have been cleared for deportation,” the minister stated.
The minister stressed the emotional and financial burden these deportations impose on families in Nigeria who depend on their relatives abroad.
She urged the U.S. government to consider humane repatriation methods, particularly for individuals who haven’t committed violent crimes.
Ambassador Mills assured the minister that deportations would comply with international standards, prioritizing convicted criminals and immigration violators.
He explained that those being repatriated include individuals who exhausted legal appeals but remained in the U.S. unlawfully.
Mills confirmed that deportees would arrive in Lagos, where Nigerian authorities would handle reception and processing upon return.
The Nigerian government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding citizens’ rights abroad while working with international partners on immigration challenges.
