“85 Nigerians Stuck in U.S. Deportation Camps Despite Orders – Delays, Diplomacy & Government Response”
Written by SpringNewsNG.
Eighty-five Nigerians remain stranded in U.S. deportation camps despite deportation orders, as confirmed by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM). She clarified that their deportation is not directly tied to President Donald Trump’s renewed crackdown on undocumented immigrants but is rather part of routine immigration enforcement.
Concerns over the treatment of Nigerian deportees and bureaucratic delays continue to grow. Dabiri-Erewa emphasized that migration should not be criminalized and called for humane treatment of deportees. She also assured that Nigeria’s interagency collaboration, including the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Immigration, is working to reintegrate returnees, particularly those with criminal records or in need of skill acquisition.
Beyond the issue of U.S. deportations, she raised alarms over the increasing number of Nigerians stranded in Iraq and Libya due to human trafficking and irregular migration. She urged authorities to enforce stricter measures against traffickers exploiting Nigerians seeking better opportunities abroad.
Public affairs analyst Olusola Taiwo suggested that diplomatic discussions between Nigeria and the U.S. might be contributing to the delay in deportations. He noted that factors such as flight availability, diplomatic agreements, and enforcement strategies could be influencing the U.S. government’s approach to repatriations. Despite the U.S. initiating deportation proceedings against thousands of undocumented immigrants three weeks ago, Nigeria has yet to receive any of its affected citizens.
Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Acting Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, provided no new updates when contacted, stating, “No update for now.” According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), at least 3,690 Nigerians face deportation under Trump’s intensified immigration policies following his return to office on January 20, 2025. His executive orders reversing previous immigration reforms have led to widespread crackdowns on undocumented migrants, including Nigerians.
Amid mounting anxiety, the Nigerian government has announced support measures for returning citizens, particularly those facing mental distress. Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo confirmed that a facility has been established at Lagos airport to assist deportees upon arrival. “We are a responsible government and understand what we need to do. Rest assured that we’re not going to shy away from such responsibility,” he stated.
The delay in deportations has also been linked to Nigeria’s ongoing discussions with the U.S. regarding the treatment of affected individuals. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, recently expressed concerns over the conditions in which Nigerians are being held and the deportation process. During a meeting with U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., she called for a humane repatriation process that ensures deportees are treated with dignity and given adequate time to settle their affairs before being forced to return.
“With the new administration in the U.S., we want commitments. If there will be repatriation, we want dignified return,” she stated. According to her, 201 Nigerian nationals are currently in U.S. immigration detention centers, with 85 already cleared for deportation. The Nigerian government is advocating for a process that aligns with international conventions and minimizes trauma for those affected.
