U.S. to Deport Nigerian Convicts, Immigration Offenders Directly to Lagos
posted 17th February 2025
U.S. to Deport Nigerian Convicts, Immigration Offenders Directly to Lagos
17 February 2025
The United States has announced plans to deport Nigerian nationals convicted of crimes or found in violation of U.S. immigration laws, with all repatriations routed exclusively through Lagos.
U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., revealed this during a meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
“The first group will include convicted criminals currently serving prison sentences in the U.S., followed by individuals who have violated immigration laws, exhausted all appeals, and remained in the country unlawfully,” Mills Jr. stated.
He emphasised that Lagos would be the sole entry point for deportees, ruling out alternative destinations such as Abuja or Port Harcourt.
In response, Odumegwu-Ojukwu urged the U.S. government to ensure the process complies with international human rights standards and respects the dignity of affected Nigerians.
“With the new U.S. administration, we hope for a commitment to humane repatriation,” she said, revealing that 201 Nigerians are currently in U.S. immigration detention centres, with 85 already cleared for deportation.
“These individuals have families who depend on them, and their sudden return will create financial and emotional challenges,” she added.
The minister also raised concerns about whether deportees would have sufficient time to manage their assets before being repatriated.
“We need assurances that they will be given time to settle their affairs rather than being abruptly placed on planes without consideration. This process will be especially distressing for those who have not committed violent crimes.”
