Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has declared that the Federal Government will not accept any deportees from the United States at this time, citing diplomatic and procedural concerns.
Tuggar made the statement while addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, following reports that Washington had planned to repatriate a group of Nigerians allegedly residing illegally in the U.S.
According to the minister, Nigeria has not reached any formal agreement with the American government regarding such deportations, and any move to return its citizens without proper consultation would be considered a violation of international protocol.
“There are laid down diplomatic procedures guiding the repatriation of any Nigerian citizen from abroad,” Tuggar stated. “As of now, we have not agreed to or approved the reception of any deportees from the United States.”
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He emphasized that Nigeria remains committed to protecting the rights and dignity of its citizens globally, warning against unilateral deportation decisions by foreign governments.
Tuggar further explained that the government would continue to engage with its foreign partners through dialogue and lawful channels to address immigration-related issues without compromising national sovereignty.
“We are open to cooperation, but it must be based on mutual respect and adherence to international norms,” he said. “Any deportation process must be transparent, well-documented, and humane. Nigeria will not accept any deportees until all due processes are fulfilled.”
The minister assured that the Tinubu administration is actively working to strengthen consular services in Nigerian embassies worldwide to assist citizens facing immigration or legal challenges abroad.
He also urged Nigerians in the diaspora to ensure their residency status and travel documents remain valid, stressing that the government’s priority is to safeguard its citizens’ interests wherever they are.
The announcement has generated mixed reactions among analysts and human rights advocates. Some commended the government’s firm stance as a defense of national dignity, while others urged the authorities to use diplomatic engagement to address the root causes of irregular migration.
Nigeria and the United States have long-standing bilateral ties covering areas such as security, education, trade, and migration management. However, the latest development could test both nations’ diplomatic cooperation in handling immigration-related matters.