LAGOS, Nigeria — The Nigerian government has officially stated its refusal to accept deportees from Venezuela and other third countries, amidst mounting pressure from the Trump administration.
In a recent interview with Nigeria’s Channels TV, Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar emphasized the nation’s challenges in managing its large population, which exceeds 230 million.
He referenced a well-known line from the U.S. rap group Public Enemy, saying, “Flava Flav has problems of his own. I can’t do nothing for you, man” to illustrate Nigeria’s stance on the issue.
This statement represents one of the most high-profile rejections of the Trump administration’s deportation efforts, which have included threats of tariffs and visa restrictions against countries that do not comply.
Although the U.S. government has not confirmed its pressure on African nations to accept these deportees, recent events underline the ongoing discussions.
Earlier this month, the U.S. successfully deported eight individuals to South Sudan, who had previously been transferred from various countries, including Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Cuba, and Mexico. These deportees had been held at a military base in Djibouti before their relocation.
In May, the Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe revealed that discussions were underway regarding accepting third-country nationals deported from the U.S.
Reports suggest that the U.S. has approached countries like Benin, Eswatini, and Libya for similar agreements, although both factions of Libya’s government have denied these claims.
Simultaneously, significant visa restrictions targeting Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Cameroon were imposed by the State Department this week.
These changes mean that nonimmigrant and nondiplomatic visas issued to citizens of these countries will now have a validity period of only three months and will permit a single entry.
Critics in Nigeria argue that these restrictions are not reciprocal, but rather a direct consequence of the country’s unwillingness to accommodate U.S. migration policies.
Tuggar further noted the impracticality of accepting Venezuelan deportees, stating, “It will be difficult for a country like Nigeria to accept Venezuelan prisoners into Nigeria. We have enough problems of our own. We cannot accept Venezuelan deportees to Nigeria, for crying out loud.”
The Nigerian government is pursuing engagement with U.S. officials regarding new deals focused on critical minerals, oil, and gas. However, they have made it clear that negotiations will not infringe on Nigeria’s sovereignty.
President Trump, during recent meetings with five African leaders at the White House, highlighted the issue of migration policy. He expressed hope for reducing visa overstays and advancing on safe third-country agreements.
While the summit centered on trade, Trump’s comments elicited some backlash, particularly his praise for Liberian President Joseph Boakai for speaking “such good English,” despite English being Liberia’s official language.
As the dialogue progresses, Nigeria remains steadfast in prioritizing its national interests and addressing domestic challenges over adhering to foreign pressures.
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