Nigeria Rejects Trump's Push to Accept Venezuelan Deportees – "We Have Enough Problems of Our Own"
The Nigerian government has definitively rejected pressure from the administration of President Donald Trump to accept Venezuelan deportees, some of whom are reportedly being released directly from American prisons. Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, made the country's stance unequivocally clear in recent interviews, stating that Nigeria "cannot accept Venezuelan deportees" and "has enough problems of our own."
The revelation comes amidst reports that the U.S. is mounting "considerable pressure" on various African countries to take in these Venezuelan nationals. This move aligns with a hallmark of the Trump administration's approach to undocumented migrants, which has previously involved deporting individuals to third countries, such as sending hundreds to a notorious prison in El Salvador.
Minister Tuggar, speaking to Channels Television and other media outlets, emphasized the difficulty for a nation like Nigeria, with its population exceeding 230 million, to accommodate foreign deportees, particularly those with potential criminal backgrounds. "It will be difficult for a country like Nigeria to accept Venezuelan prisoners into Nigeria," he asserted. "We cannot accept Venezuelan deportees to Nigeria, for crying out loud."
Tuggar also suggested a potential link between this pressure and recent U.S. policy shifts affecting Nigeria, including new 10% tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on Nigerian goods exported to the U.S. and a revised single-entry, three-month visa validity for Nigerian citizens. He dismissed claims that these measures were reciprocal or related to Nigeria's engagement with the BRICS+ political and economic bloc.
The Nigerian Foreign Minister indicated that while discussions are ongoing with U.S. officials, particularly regarding economic opportunities like critical minerals, oil, and gas, Nigeria will not compromise its sovereignty or national interests. "We will continue to stand for our national interest," Tuggar affirmed.
The Trump administration reportedly raised the issue of accepting third-country deportees with five African presidents who recently met with President Trump at the White House. An internal U.S. State Department document, reportedly sent to African governments prior to the meeting, called for agreements for the "dignified, safe, and timely transfer from the United States" of these nationals.
Nigeria's firm rejection marks one of the most high-profile pushbacks against the Trump administration's efforts to deport migrants to third countries, especially when accompanied by potential threats of tariffs and visa restrictions for non-compliance. The U.S. government has not officially confirmed its direct pressure on African nations to accept third-country nationals, but Nigeria's strong statements indicate a clear and unyielding position on the matter.
