Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has firmly rejected pressure from the United States for Nigeria and other African countries to accept deported Venezuelans, many of whom are reportedly former prisoners.
Tuggar emphasized that Nigeria, with its population of over 230 million and numerous internal challenges, is not in a position to take in Venezuelan deportees. He warned that acquiescing to such demands could set a precedent leading to further pressures.
Speaking on a television program, Tuggar stated that Nigeria cannot become a dumping ground for deportees and that the country already faces significant domestic issues.
He described the demand as unfair and highlighted that accepting 300 deportees could just be the beginning of ongoing requests.
Tuggar also addressed concerns about the recent imposition of a 10 percent tariff on Nigerian goods by the U.S., which followed Nigeria’s participation in the BRICS summit. He clarified that the tariff threat may not be directly related to Nigeria’s BRICS involvement.
Regarding the new U.S. visa restrictions that reduced Nigerian non-immigrant visa validity to three months with single-entry, Tuggar refuted claims that Nigeria’s visa policies prompted the change.
He explained that Nigeria continues to issue five-year multiple-entry visas to U.S. citizens and has introduced an efficient electronic visa system to replace the outdated visa-on-arrival process. The shorter 90-day visas apply mainly to first-time travelers or tourists unlikely to return.
Tuggar reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to dialogue and cooperation with the U.S. despite the challenges, emphasizing that Nigeria’s foreign policy is based on reciprocity and mutual respect, not retaliation.
