Nigeria rejects U.S. push to accept Venezuelan deportees
On July 11, 2025, Nigeria publicly rejected U.S. efforts—reported during a BRICS summit—for it to accept Venezuelan deportees from American prisons. Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar highlighted existing domestic pressures and said Nigeria cannot assume additional burdens .
The U.S. administration, aiming to accelerate its immigration crackdown, had asked African nations including Nigeria, Senegal, and Liberia to take in non-citizen detainees. However, Tuggar emphasized that such demands must respect Nigeria's capacity and stability .
This rejection underscores growing friction in U.S.–Nigeria relations, especially regarding immigration policy. Nigeria is already grappling with internal economic, security, and humanitarian issues. The move reflects African leaders' pushback against unilateral U.S. policy impositions .
The broader context includes U.S. tension with 36 countries subject to travel restrictions. Nigeria's rebuke sends a clear message: global migration issues cannot be resolved by burden-shifting.
Adedayo Obadina
Talksocialtalks
