Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Africa, Prof. Jude Osakwe, has praised the Indian government for granting an overstay penalty waiver to stranded Nigerians awaiting deportation.
He described the move as a show of goodwill and a sign of the strong diplomatic ties between both countries.
Prof. Osakwe stated this in a telephone interview on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, after following up on the plight of Nigerians detained at the Lampur deportation camp in India.
He expressed gratitude to the Indian authorities and the Nigerian High Commission in New Delhi for their joint efforts in facilitating the repatriation of stranded citizens.
Prof. Osakwe stated: “Following my discussions with Nigerian officials and those affected by the situation at the deportation camp in Lampur, India, I must sincerely appreciate the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and the Nigerian High Commission for their swift and humanitarian response to the challenges facing stranded African nationals.”
“The Nigerian High Commission successfully engaged with the Indian Ministry of External Affairs to secure an expedited waiver. This generous amnesty, effective from September 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026, exempts all Nigerians, including other African Nationals, from prescribed overstay penalty fees.”
He said the Nigerian High Commission had been issuing Emergency Travel Certificates (ETCs) to help affected Nigerians return home.
According to him, the gesture represents a major humanitarian initiative that strengthens bilateral relations between Nigeria and India.
“This waiver represents a significant humanitarian initiative that demonstrates the strong bilateral relationship between India and Nigeria. We also commend the Nigerian High Commission and its dedicated team for their tireless work in supporting our citizens.”
Prof. Osakwe, however, noted delays in implementing the waiver at the Foreign Regional Registration Office (FRRO) level.
He said these challenges could frustrate the smooth execution of the policy.
He added that, “According to the information received from affected individuals and camp representatives, there appear to be delays in the processing of exit documentation at FRRO offices, which may not yet be fully aligned with the Ministry’s amnesty directives. Of over 70 Emergency Travel Certificates issued by the Nigerian High Commission for individuals in detention facilities, fewer than 30 have completed the exit process.”
“Some individuals have reportedly seen their purchased return tickets expire while awaiting FRRO clearance, creating additional financial and logistical hardships.”
He called on the Indian Ministry of External Affairs to ensure that the directive is implemented uniformly across all regional offices.
Prof. Osakwe said: “We trust that the Indian authorities will look into these allegations with the same seriousness and compassion they have demonstrated in granting the waiver itself.”
He disclosed that the Nigerian High Commission assured continued engagement with Indian officials to fast-track the process.
Prof. Osakwe stated that the team expressed optimism that improved coordination between the Ministry of External Affairs and FRRO offices would soon resolve the bottlenecks.
“The leadership shown by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs in granting this waiver demonstrates their goodwill, and we trust this will be reflected throughout the implementation chain.”
He also appealed for special attention to be given to detainees in poor health.
“Time is of the essence for these individuals, and we respectfully request priority processing to enable them to access proper healthcare,” he said.
Prof. Osakwe reaffirmed NIDO Africa’s commitment to working with both the Nigerian and Indian governments to protect the welfare of citizens abroad.
“The Overstay waiver has no doubt helped towards strengthening the partnership between our two nations. The situation will be continuously monitored, and support will be provided to facilitate the successful implementation of this important humanitarian initiative,” he added.
