FG Rejects U.S. Proposal to Deport Venezuelans to Nigeria

Nigeria has firmly declined a request from the United States to accept deported Venezuelans many of whom are reported to be former inmates citing national security and internal challenges.

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has publicly rejected a request by the U.S. government to receive hundreds of deported Venezuelans, describing the proposal as “unreasonable and inappropriate.”

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Tuggar stated that accepting the deportees allegedly including ex-prisoners would place an unnecessary burden on Nigeria, a country already grappling with its own socio-economic pressures.

“It will be difficult for a country like Nigeria to accept Venezuelan prisoners. We have enough problems of our own. We already have 230 million people,” the minister said.

“If we agree to this, you’ll be the same ones criticizing us for accepting ex-prisoners from U.S. jails. This could set a dangerous precedent.”

Tuggar added that the number mentioned around 300 Venezuelan deportees might just be the beginning of a larger issue.

The minister’s remarks come amid speculation that Nigeria’s growing ties with the BRICS economic bloc may be sparking tensions with the United States. However, Tuggar dismissed such claims, specifically regarding the 10% tariffs introduced during former President Donald Trump’s administration.

“The tariff issues may not necessarily be linked to our participation in BRICS,” he clarified.

Tuggar also addressed the recent U.S. visa restrictions limiting Nigerians to single-entry, 90-day visas, a move that has drawn sharp criticism. He noted that while Nigeria’s visa policy is not strictly reciprocal, it considers intent and perceived risks.

“We issue five-year, multiple-entry visas to Americans. Not every American is given just 90 days,” he explained.
“There are many who enjoy long-term visas to Nigeria.”

The diplomatic tension arises at a time when Nigeria is recalibrating its foreign policy stance and strengthening multilateral partnerships. Tuggar’s comments reflect a more assertive approach in defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and national interests on the global stage.