Mrs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, has urged the United States to follow established rules while deporting immigrants from its territory.
She made the request in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, following a visit to the ministry by US Ambassador to Nigeria Richard Mills, Jr.
In a statement issued by Magnus Eze, her special assistant on communication and new media, Odumegwu-Ojukwu voiced concerns over the possible suspension of the U.S. Drop Box Visa System.
She highlighted the emotional and financial distress faced by many Nigerians in the U.S. since the new administration signalled its intention to deport certain categories of immigrants.
“With the new U.S. administration, we want commitments. If deportation must happen, it should be dignified,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated.
She revealed that around 201 Nigerians are currently in U.S. immigration camps, with approximately 85 already cleared for deportation.
“Will they be given time to manage their assets, or will they simply be bundled onto planes and sent back?” she asked, stressing the trauma deportation could cause.
She noted that deportation affects not just those being repatriated but also their families in Nigeria, who depend on their remittances for survival and education.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasised the need for deported individuals to be treated with dignity and allowed to settle their affairs before returning.
She also urged the U.S. government to reconsider suspending the Drop Box Visa Policy, ensuring genuine travellers are not unduly burdened when applying for visas.
