The Nigerian government is gearing up to receive any of its citizens who might be deported from the United States as part of a wider crackdown on illegal immigration.

According to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), an inter-agency committee has already been set up to handle the situation. Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the commission’s Director of Media and Corporate Affairs, confirmed in an interview that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is leading the effort to manage any potential mass deportation.

What’s the Current Situation?

Reports indicate that about 3,690 Nigerians in the U.S. could face deportation. This comes as part of former President Donald Trump’s renewed immigration enforcement targeting undocumented migrants. A document from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), titled “Noncitizens on the ICE Non-Detained Docket with Final Orders of Removal by Country of Citizenship”, sheds light on the numbers.

As of November 24, 2024, ICE reports that there are 1,445,549 non-citizens with final deportation orders in the U.S. Among them, Mexicans and Salvadorans top the list, with 252,044 and 203,822 individuals slated for removal. Nigerians, along with other African nationals, are also among those at risk.

Is Nigeria Expecting Mass Deportations?

At the moment, NiDCOM says it has not received any official communication about Nigerians being processed for deportation. However, in light of ICE’s reports, the Nigerian government is staying proactive. The inter-agency committee handling the situation includes:

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• NiDCOM (Nigerians in Diaspora Commission)
• Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs
• Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA)

These agencies are working together to ensure a smooth reintegration process should deportations occur.

Trump’s Immigration Crackdown in Full Swing

Last week, U.S. authorities ramped up deportation efforts, arresting hundreds of migrants. Some were even flown out of the country on military aircraft. Given these developments, Nigerians living in the U.S. without legal status might soon find themselves under increased scrutiny.

What’s Next?

While it remains uncertain how many Nigerians will actually be deported, the Federal Government appears prepared to assist returnees. For Nigerians in the U.S. facing immigration issues, now might be the time to seek legal counsel and explore all available options.