Nigeria Stands Firm Against U.S. Pressure to Take Back Deported Venezuelans

When it comes to accepting deported Venezuelans, Nigeria has made it crystal clear: no thanks. The U.S. had hoped Nigeria would open its doors to Venezuelan nationals, many reportedly former inmates, but Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, shut down the idea during a recent interview.

Speaking on Politics Today, Tuggar didn’t mince words. He pointed out that Nigeria already juggles enough challenges with a population of over 230 million. “It would be tough for Nigeria to take in Venezuelan prisoners. We have enough on our plate,” he said, adding that accepting these individuals could lead to unfair criticism from the international community.

He also warned that agreeing to such demands might open a Pandora’s box. “If we start by accepting 300 Venezuelan deportees, who knows where it might end?” Tuggar remarked, hinting at the slippery slope such a move could create.

This firm stance comes amid rising tensions between Nigeria and the U.S., especially after Nigeria’s recent involvement in the BRICS summit. Some speculated that Nigeria’s participation triggered retaliatory trade actions, including a 10% tariff on Nigerian goods, a policy dating back to the Trump administration. Tuggar dismissed these claims, clarifying that the tariffs likely have little to do with Nigeria’s BRICS membership.

Adding to the diplomatic friction, the U.S. recently introduced a new visa policy restricting Nigerians to single-entry visas valid for only three months. This move sparked backlash, especially since Nigeria continues to grant Americans five-year multiple-entry visas. Tuggar addressed this imbalance, explaining that Nigeria’s visa decisions consider various factors like the traveler’s purpose and risk profile, not strict reciprocity.

He reassured that Nigeria is in talks with U.S. officials and highlighted recent upgrades to Nigeria’s visa system, including electronic applications and smoother visa-on-arrival options, aiming to make travel easier for legitimate visitors.

In short, Nigeria is standing its ground, balancing domestic realities with international diplomacy, and making it clear that when it comes to deported Venezuelans, the answer is a firm no.