The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Africa has appealed to the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to urgently intervene in the case of two Nigerian minors who have been stranded in Tunisia for the past five months.
In a statement issued on Saturday, May 31, 2025, and made available to journalists in Asaba, Delta State, the organization expressed deep concern over the prolonged delay in repatriating the children.
The statement was jointly signed by the Chairman of NIDO Africa, Prof. Jude Osakwe, and the group’s spokesperson, Ambassador Foloja Adura.
According to the group, the identities of the minors have been deliberately withheld to protect their privacy.
The children are currently under the care of local guardians in Tunisia, while their families in Nigeria await their return with growing concern.
NIDO Africa, which represents the interests of Nigerians living abroad, disclosed that efforts to facilitate the children’s return have been hindered by bureaucratic bottlenecks within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Embassy in Tunisia.
“We are seriously worried about the wellbeing of these young Nigerians who are far from home and in a vulnerable condition,” the statement said.
“While we recognize the workload of the Ministry and the embassy, we are pleading that this matter be given priority. These children have been away from their families for far too long, despite the fact that return flight tickets were purchased as far back as January.”
The group emphasized that the families of the stranded children are fully prepared to receive them and provide a nurturing home environment that is far better than their current circumstances.
“These are children with families in Nigeria who are eager to welcome them back. Every additional day they spend in Tunisia is an extension of unnecessary hardship and emotional distress,” the statement continued.
NIDO Africa urged the Foreign Affairs Ministry to cut through the delays and act swiftly, expressing hope that the public appeal would trigger immediate attention and bring about a resolution.
