Nigeria Rejects U.S. Request to Accept Deported Venezuelan Ex-Prisoners

Nigeria has firmly rejected a request from the United States to accept deported Venezuelan nationals—many of whom are believed to be former prisoners.

Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar made Nigeria’s stance clear during an interview on Politics Today, aired Friday on Channels Television. He described the U.S. demand as unreasonable, especially in light of Nigeria’s own internal challenges.

“It will be difficult for a country like Nigeria to accept Venezuelan prisoners into Nigeria. We have enough problems of our own. We already have 230 million people,” Tuggar said. “You will be the same people that would castigate us if we acquiesce to accepting Venezuelans from U.S. prisons.”

The minister warned that agreeing to such a request could set a dangerous precedent. “It would be unfair to insist that Nigeria accepts 300 Venezuelan deportees. Maybe that might just even be the beginning,” he added.

Tuggar’s comments come amid growing speculation that the request may be linked to Nigeria’s recent participation in the BRICS summit—a move that some analysts believe could be viewed unfavorably by Washington. However, Tuggar dismissed claims that the U.S. is retaliating against Nigeria.

He also addressed past issues such as the 10% tariff imposed on Nigerian goods during Donald Trump’s presidency, clarifying that the measure likely had no connection to BRICS.

Tensions have also been fueled by a new U.S. visa policy that limits Nigerian visitors to single-entry visas valid for just three months. The move sparked backlash, especially as Nigeria continues to grant five-year multiple-entry visas to American citizens.

Tuggar responded by saying that Nigeria’s visa policy is guided by various factors—not strict reciprocity.

“We are engaging the Americans. We are also reminding them that we issue them five-year multiple entry visas,” he said. “Not every American is being given a 90-day visa. Many hold long-term visas.”

He added that Nigeria has made recent improvements to its visa system, including electronic applications and streamlined visa-on-arrival procedures.