The Federal Government of Nigeria is poised to welcome deported Nigerians from the United States, according to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
In a statement on Tuesday, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the Director of Media and Corporate Affairs at NiDCOM, confirmed that an inter-agency committee has been established to address potential deportations. This committee includes representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NiDCOM, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and the National Security Adviser’s office.
Balogun emphasized that while the government is prepared, NiDCOM has not received any official notification regarding Nigerians currently being processed for deportation from the U.S.
The concern arises as approximately 3,690 Nigerians in the U.S. face deportation amid heightened enforcement actions led by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This crackdown is part of a broader immigration policy initiated during Donald Trump’s administration.
An ICE document revealed that as of November 24, 2024, over 1.4 million non-citizens are on ICE’s non-detained docket with final removal orders. While Mexico and El Salvador top the list for deportation cases, Nigerian nationals may soon become targets as U.S. authorities intensify their operations.
Balogun affirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the safe return of its citizens and addressing their needs upon arrival.