Nigeria says US pressuring Africa to accept Venezuelan deportees

 

Nigeria has publicly rejected pressure from the United States to accept deported Venezuelan nationals, including those recently released from prison. According to Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar, the US has been attempting to persuade several African nations to take in migrants who cannot be sent back to their own countries for political or legal reasons. Tuggar revealed this development during an interview with Channels Television while attending the BRICS summit in Brazil.

See also: (In Nigeria) VP Shettima Questions President's Power to Remove Governors

He stated that US officials had approached five African presidents during recent meetings at the White House, requesting that they accept deportees from various countries, including Venezuela. The deportees in question allegedly include former prisoners and others with unclear backgrounds. Tuggar made it clear that Nigeria, with a population of over 230 million people and its own pressing internal challenges, cannot take on this additional responsibility.

Tuggar emphasized that Nigeria is dealing with enough domestic issues, from economic pressures to internal security concerns. Accepting foreign deportees, especially those with potential criminal records, would only worsen these challenges. He argued that such a move would not be in the interest of Nigeria or its people.

The US has not officially commented on the claims made by the Nigerian government. However, this revelation adds to growing international scrutiny over the deportation policies of the United States. Since President Donald Trump's return to office in January, his administration has increased efforts to expedite deportations and find third-party countries willing to accept them when their countries of origin will not.

This marks a significant point in US-Africa relations and could spark a wider debate about the responsibilities of nations when it comes to handling global migration and deportation issues. The US request has not been well received, particularly by countries already burdened with socioeconomic difficulties.

See also: (In South Africa) DJ Sobzeen’s ‘NgconUjoleNabo’ Ignites Amapiano Scene

The request from the United States for Nigeria to accept Venezuelan deportees comes amid heightened efforts by the Trump administration to speed up deportation processes. One of the newer tactics reportedly involves seeking agreements with third countries willing to temporarily or permanently receive migrants who cannot immediately be sent back to their home nations. In this case, the Venezuelan deportees are being considered for relocation to African countries, many of which are already grappling with their own humanitarian and economic problems.

Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s top diplomat, reiterated that such a proposal is not feasible for his country. He stressed that Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous nation, must prioritize its own stability and cannot become a dumping ground for migrants, especially those with criminal records. His comments reflect growing resistance among African leaders who feel that they are being unfairly targeted or pressured by powerful Western countries to solve problems that are not of their making.

The request also raises questions about international law and the ethical dimensions of transferring individuals, especially prisoners, to countries with which they have no personal or national ties. Legal experts and human rights organizations are likely to weigh in, especially if the US continues pushing for this approach with other African nations.

Although the Trump administration has remained silent on the specific claim, this development may fuel tension between the US and parts of Africa. It also brings to light the broader implications of aggressive immigration policies that seek quick fixes without international consensus.

With African countries like Nigeria refusing to cooperate, the United States may face increasing diplomatic resistance to its deportation strategies. The issue now highlights the need for global collaboration and respect for sovereignty, especially in dealing with complex international migration and justice systems. The question remains whether other African nations will follow Nigeria’s lead in pushing back.

See also: (In Nigeria) Iyabo Ojo Faces Threats and Fire as Daughter Priscilla Exposes Sabotage Plot