Amid ongoing deportation actions targeting undocumented immigrants in the United States, the Nigerian government has expressed its preparedness to welcome citizens who may be returned from the U.S.
Speaking in Abuja during an event to commemorate World Refugee Day 2025, the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCRMI), Aliyu Tijani, revealed that a special committee has already been established to coordinate the reception and reintegration of deported Nigerians.
The move comes in response to the U.S. administration’s recent immigration crackdown, which enforces stricter visa overstay rules. Although the Nigerian government has not received any official correspondence from Washington regarding mass deportations, Tijani noted that the federal authorities are taking precautionary steps.
“As of now, we’ve not received a formal letter from the U.S. government. So, we treat it as a policy pronouncement. Nonetheless, we are prepared for any eventuality,” Tijani said.
“A committee is already in place to manage the process, provide support, and ensure deported citizens are reintegrated with a sustainable means of livelihood.”
Tijani assured Nigerians that there is no need for alarm, stressing that the government is actively monitoring developments and stands ready to act appropriately.
Discussing migration trends, the Commissioner disclosed that Nigeria currently accommodates about 135,000 refugees, while over 250,000 Nigerian nationals are living as refugees abroad, particularly in neighbouring countries like Cameroon, Chad, and Niger, as well as in South Sudan and Libya.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu for his administration’s continued support of the Commission’s mandate, especially in assisting refugees, migrants, and internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Tijani extended special appreciation to Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, for his active role in the repatriation of Nigerian refugees.
“Only a few months ago, Governor Zulum collaborated with our Commission to successfully return over 7,000 Nigerian refugees from Chad,” he added.
Meanwhile, Alozi Amaechi Godfrey, a senior humanitarian officer with the ECOWAS Commission, revealed that the regional body provided $9 million in humanitarian aid across its 15 member states last year, with Nigeria receiving approximately $1.7 million of the total.
Godfrey explained that ECOWAS continues to develop and implement refugee-focused policies aimed at providing protection, resettlement, and livelihood support to displaced individuals throughout West Africa, especially in Nigeria, where the commission’s headquarters is located.
