The Harsh Reality of Deportation and Nigeria’s Readiness

Advertisement

By Abidemi Adebamiwa

The Nigerian government says it is ready to receive thousands of citizens facing deportation from the United States. But is “ready” just a word, or does it actually mean something? These are not just numbers on a list—they are people with dreams, struggles, and stories. They left Nigeria in search of a better life, and now they are being forced back to a country that still lacks the basic comforts they became used to—constant electricity, clean water, and economic stability.

According to recent reports, over 5,000 Nigerians are at risk of deportation as part of President Donald Trump’s crackdown on undocumented immigrants. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has identified 3,690 Nigerians on the non-detained docket with final orders of removal and an additional 1,454 in ICE custody, awaiting deportation. Among those detained, 772 were arrested for criminal convictions or pending charges, while the rest face deportation for immigration violations such as overstaying their visas.

Research highlights that deportees, particularly those from China, struggle with reintegration into Nigerian cities. Many face stigma, economic hardship, and psychological trauma. The concept of “cities as contexts” suggests that urban centers can serve as spaces for post-deportation coping and socioeconomic recovery. However, without structured support systems, deportees often experience downward mobility and find it difficult to rebuild their lives.

Similarly, studies emphasize the crucial role of social workers in reintegrating deportees. Deportation often results in economic destitution, social exclusion, and mental health struggles. The lack of a coordinated government reintegration policy further exacerbates these issues, leaving returnees without essential support structures. Reintegration efforts should not only focus on reception but also long-term support, including employment, training, and mental health assistance.

Advertisement

Other studies reveal that involuntary return migration can lead to impoverishment, marginalization, and even high-risk re-migration. Many deportees return empty-handed, losing all the financial security they built abroad, which creates additional strain on their families and communities. Without viable economic opportunities or structured reintegration programs, some are left with no choice but to attempt irregular migration again, risking their lives on dangerous journeys. This perpetuates a cycle of displacement, vulnerability, and economic instability that neither the deportees nor the government is prepared to handle.

Imagine leaving everything behind, working hard in a foreign land, only to return empty-handed. For many deportees, that is their harsh reality. Some spent years in the U.S., hoping to build a future for themselves and their families. Now, they return with no job, no savings, and, in many cases, no clear plan for what comes next. It is not just about bringing them back; it is about helping them land on their feet.

Beyond just surviving, they will have to deal with the emotional toll of deportation. The stigma, the loss of identity, and the feeling of failure can be overwhelming. Many of them will struggle with mental health challenges—depression, anxiety, and frustration. Where is the support system to help them process this trauma? Does the government have a mental health plan for them? Or will they be left to fend for themselves?

And what about jobs? Some deportees have been away for so long that they may not have the necessary skills to fit into Nigeria’s current job market. Others have even passed the age of employability, making it even tougher to start afresh. Without real efforts to create job opportunities, these returnees could end up in poverty, increasing crime rates and social unrest. Is there a plan for training programs, small business loans, or employment opportunities? Or will these people be abandoned once the cameras stop rolling?

The Nigerian government claims to have an inter-agency committee in place to manage the situation. However, there are concerns about whether this committee has concrete policies beyond simply receiving deportees. While the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is leading efforts to coordinate with U.S. authorities, there is still no clear strategy on how to provide long-term support for returnees. Without a detailed reintegration plan, deportees may find themselves struggling with economic instability, social stigma, and psychological distress.

These are not just statistics or faceless figures—they are human beings. It is easy for the government to say it is prepared, but true preparation means creating real policies. That includes funding for job training, access to mental health support, and programs to help them reintegrate into society. Without these, “readiness” is just another empty promise.

As the deportations continue, the Nigerian government must take a hard look at what “being ready” truly means. It is not enough to simply receive deportees at the airport and provide temporary assistance. Real preparation requires comprehensive policies that ensure economic opportunities, psychological support, and social reintegration. Without real actions, welcoming deportees back home without a plan will only set them up for failure all over again.

Abidemi Adebamiwa is a geopolitical analyst with advanced degrees in Public Policy and Administration.