Over 10,000 Nigerians Detained Abroad for Immigration Violations, Shettima Reveals

Vice President Kashim Shettima has disclosed that at least 10,000 Nigerians have been detained for immigration offenses in various African and European countries this year. While addressing this concern, he acknowledged the significant contributions Nigerian migrants make to the global economy. Shettima highlighted that Nigeria remains the leader in diaspora remittances in West Africa, accounting for the largest share of remittances in the region.

Speaking on Monday at the 10th Annual National Migration Dialogue, held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Shettima emphasized the crucial role of migration in driving both global and national development. In 2022 alone, Nigeria received $21.9 billion in remittances, which accounted for 64% of the total remittances in West Africa. This, he said, underscores the vital economic contributions of Nigerian migrants.

During the event, which coincided with International Migrants Day, the Vice President reflected on the dual nature of migration—its immense contributions to society and the ongoing need to protect the rights of migrants. He noted that Nigeria is both a source and a destination for migration, with over 1.3 million international migrants residing within the country. However, he also acknowledged the persistent issue of irregular migration and expressed concern over the return of 10,000 Nigerians detained for immigration offenses in 2024 alone.

Shettima assured the audience that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to addressing the challenges of migration, a commitment the President reaffirmed during this year’s United Nations General Assembly.

The Federal Commissioner for the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Ahmed, also spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of the dialogue in shaping policies to address migration challenges. The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, added that the Nigerian diaspora represents some of the best and brightest individuals, contributing significantly to global economies through their hard work, brilliance, and intelligence.