Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has confirmed that the country has firmly rejected pressure from the United States to accept deported Venezuelan nationals, including those being released from American prisons.
Tuggar made this revelation during a live interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday. The minister emphasized that it would be both unfair and unreasonable for the U.S. to insist on Nigeria becoming a host country for Venezuelan deportees.
“You have to bear in mind that the U.S. is mounting considerable pressure on African countries to accept Venezuelans to be deported from the U.S., some straight out of prison,” he explained. “It will be difficult for a country like Nigeria to accept Venezuelan prisoners. We already have 230 million people.”
He stressed that such a move would be unsustainable and irresponsible, considering Nigeria’s existing socioeconomic challenges. “We cannot accept Venezuelan deportees to Nigeria, for crying out loud. You will be the same people to castigate us if we accept,” Tuggar said firmly.
According to reports, this comes amid rising diplomatic tension after the U.S. imposed a 10 percent tariff on Nigerian goods—a move many speculate may be connected to President Bola Tinubu’s recent engagement with BRICS nations, although Tuggar dismissed that link.
The minister also responded to the U.S. embassy’s newly announced visa restrictions for Nigerians. The new policy, which includes a single-entry, three-month visa for certain categories of travelers, has sparked concerns over reciprocity.
Tuggar clarified that Nigeria also issues 90-day tourist visas for first-time visitors and has recently introduced electronic e-visas to streamline the process. “We’re engaging with the U.S. on this. Our five-year multiple-entry visa policy still stands for many American travelers,” he explained.
Touching on the bigger picture, Tuggar warned that accepting Venezuelan deportees could set a dangerous precedent for Nigeria and potentially open doors to further impositions. “Accepting 300 Venezuelans might just be the beginning,” he said, implying that acquiescing now could invite larger demands in the future.
Tuggar’s bold statement underscores Nigeria’s commitment to defending its sovereignty in the face of international pressure and protecting its internal security interests.
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