The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has urged the U.S. to adhere to established protocols when deporting immigrants from its territory.
She made this appeal in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, following a visit by the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., to the ministry.
In a statement issued by Magnus Eze, her special assistant on communication and new media, Odumegwu-Ojukwu voiced concerns over the possible suspension of the U.S. Drop Box Visa System.
She highlighted the emotional and financial distress faced by many Nigerians in the U.S. since the new administration signalled its intention to deport certain categories of immigrants.
She noted that deportation affects not just those being repatriated but also their families in Nigeria, who depend on their remittances for survival and education.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasised the need for deported individuals to be treated with dignity and allowed to settle their affairs before returning.
