‘We’re Not a Dumping Ground’ — FG Rejects U.S. Plan to Deport Venezuelans to Nigeria

The Federal Government has firmly rejected pressure from the United States to accept deported Venezuelan prisoners into Nigeria.

Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar made this clear during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, July 10, 2025.

Tuggar said Nigeria faces enough domestic challenges and cannot serve as a dumping ground for America’s deportees.

He stated the U.S. had approached several African countries, including Nigeria, to accept Venezuelans, many of whom are ex-convicts.

“These are people straight from U.S. prisons,” Tuggar said. “It would be difficult for Nigeria to accept such deportees.”

He insisted Nigeria already grapples with its population of over 230 million and cannot absorb foreign convicts.

Tuggar said the proposal was part of Donald Trump’s hardline immigration crackdown and anti-BRICS agenda.

President Bola Tinubu had attended the BRICS Summit in Brazil from July 6 to 7, alongside other world leaders.

On the summit’s final day, President Trump slammed BRICS nations with a 10% trade tariff, citing “anti-American policies.”

The tariff announcement included Nigeria, China, and India, sparking backlash from BRICS+ countries.

Tuggar, however, said the tariffs may not be linked directly to Nigeria’s participation in BRICS.

He emphasized that the country will not compromise its sovereignty or national security to satisfy U.S. demands.

“The United States is trying to pressure African countries,” he said. “But Nigeria won’t play along.”

The minister also criticized the new U.S. visa restrictions limiting Nigerian travellers to three-month, single-entry permits.

He described the restriction as regrettable and said talks with Washington are ongoing.

Tuggar also mentioned fresh visa restrictions by the UAE, which have affected many Nigerians, calling for review and diplomacy.

Nigeria joined BRICS+ in January 2025, becoming part of a bloc that includes emerging economic powers like China, India, and Brazil.

BRICS+ now includes 11 countries and accounts for nearly 40% of global economic output.

Tuggar reiterated that Nigeria is focused on global partnerships that respect mutual interest not foreign impositions.

“Nigeria is not a dumping ground,” he concluded. “We will stand firm in defending our interests.”

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