As the US seeks to enforce its deportation policies on countries, Nigeria stands its ground, citing national limitations amidst ongoing challenges.
**Nigeria Rejects US Deportation Requests Amid Domestic Challenges**
**Nigeria Rejects US Deportation Requests Amid Domestic Challenges**
Nigeria's Foreign Minister firmly declines US pressure to accept deportees, emphasizing the country's own struggles.
Nigeria's Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, has expressed strong opposition to the US's request for the country to accept Venezuelan deportees and other prisoners, referencing significant domestic challenges. In a candid interview with Channels TV, Tuggar stated, "We already have over 230 million people," pointing out that Nigeria cannot accommodate additional deportees amid its existing issues. Citing the iconic 1990s rap group Public Enemy, he likened the situation to a famous line from Flava Flav, emphasizing that Nigeria has "problems of its own."
This declaration comes at a time when the Trump administration is threatening visa restrictions and increased tariffs on countries that do not comply with its deportation policies. Tuggar condemned such tactics as unfair, particularly in light of the recent changes to non-immigrant visas for Nigerian travelers, indicating that the actions were more pressure than a partnership.
The US's shift towards a "global reciprocity realignment" means that Nigerian visas will now only be valid for a short duration and single entry. Despite diplomatic tensions, Tuggar confirmed Nigeria's intention to pursue cooperative agreements with the US, particularly regarding its energy resources, critical minerals, and rare earth elements vital to American technology companies.
Tuggar further elaborated that the US is applying substantial pressure on several African nations, including Liberia, Senegal, Mauritania, Gabon, and Guinea-Bissau, to accept deported migrants. However, each of these nations has publicly rejected proposals from Washington, with Liberia’s Foreign Minister asserting no discussions regarding deportees have taken place.
President Trump recently hinted that he would like countries to collaborate on managing visa overstays and establishing safe third-country agreements for deportation. While the US emphasizes a coordinated approach to the issue, Tuggar remains firm, insisting that Nigeria's priorities must focus on addressing its internal challenges rather than becoming a receptacle for international deportees.
This declaration comes at a time when the Trump administration is threatening visa restrictions and increased tariffs on countries that do not comply with its deportation policies. Tuggar condemned such tactics as unfair, particularly in light of the recent changes to non-immigrant visas for Nigerian travelers, indicating that the actions were more pressure than a partnership.
The US's shift towards a "global reciprocity realignment" means that Nigerian visas will now only be valid for a short duration and single entry. Despite diplomatic tensions, Tuggar confirmed Nigeria's intention to pursue cooperative agreements with the US, particularly regarding its energy resources, critical minerals, and rare earth elements vital to American technology companies.
Tuggar further elaborated that the US is applying substantial pressure on several African nations, including Liberia, Senegal, Mauritania, Gabon, and Guinea-Bissau, to accept deported migrants. However, each of these nations has publicly rejected proposals from Washington, with Liberia’s Foreign Minister asserting no discussions regarding deportees have taken place.
President Trump recently hinted that he would like countries to collaborate on managing visa overstays and establishing safe third-country agreements for deportation. While the US emphasizes a coordinated approach to the issue, Tuggar remains firm, insisting that Nigeria's priorities must focus on addressing its internal challenges rather than becoming a receptacle for international deportees.
