NiDCOM: Defends India Deportation Amnesty Amid Detainee Criticism

• NiDCOM defended its handling of Nigerians detained in India, citing a previously offered amnesty program that some failed to utilize.
• Journalist Rufai Oseni criticized NiDCOM and its Chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for perceived slow action regarding over 200 Nigerians held at the Lampur detention centre.
• NiDCOM stated that over 4,000 Nigerians returned home under the nine-month amnesty, which began on May 1, 2025, but some detainees, including Ekene, did not take advantage of it.
• The commission emphasized that deportations are at the host country's discretion but confirmed ongoing diplomatic efforts for a fresh amnesty extension.
• Public reaction to the exchange was mixed, with some criticizing NiDCOM's response and others highlighting individual responsibility for immigration compliance.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has recently come under scrutiny regarding its handling of Nigerian citizens detained in India. Public criticism, spearheaded by Arise TV co-host Rufai Oseni and other social media users, targeted NiDCOM and its Chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for what critics perceived as a delayed response to secure the release of a detainee identified as Ekene. This individual is reportedly among more than 200 Nigerians held at the Lampur detention centre in New Delhi.

Oseni first brought Ekene’s situation to public attention weeks prior to the recent exchange. Following a directive from Dabiri-Erewa to use official channels, Oseni emailed NiDCOM approximately a week ago, providing Ekene's contact information. Despite receiving an initial acknowledgment, Oseni later asserted via his X handle on a Saturday that neither the commission nor the Nigerian mission had contacted Ekene. He publicly appealed for assistance, stating, "I have sent Abike Dabiri and NIDCOM the details of Ekene… they haven’t reached out to him! Nigerians, let’s beg her to help this man!"

Further details emerged from Oseni's communication with Ekene, who reportedly confirmed that over 200 Nigerians were stranded at the Lampur detention centre, Sewa Sadan, in New Delhi. Ekene described the conditions within the facility as "harrowing."

In response to the mounting public pressure, NiDCOM issued an official email reply to Oseni on a Sunday, which its Director-General, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, subsequently shared on X. The commission defended its actions by explaining that Indian authorities had previously offered a targeted amnesty program for undocumented Nigerian migrants. This initiative, designed to allow individuals to regularize their status or depart voluntarily without penalty, commenced on May 1, 2025, initially providing a six-month window.

NiDCOM further clarified that the amnesty period was later extended by an additional three months, a result of negotiations conducted by Nigeria’s High Commissioner. According to the commission, this program facilitated the return of over 4,000 Nigerians to their home country, all without facing legal or administrative repercussions. However, NiDCOM noted that some individuals chose not to avail themselves of this amnesty opportunity.

The commission explicitly addressed Ekene's case within its response, stating, “Regrettably, Ekene and some others did not take advantage of this program or its subsequent extension while it was active and because he did not regularise his status or exit during the grace period, he was arrested and is currently being held in a deportation camp. Please note that he is not the only one awaiting deportation.” This statement underscores NiDCOM's position that the current detentions are a consequence of individuals not utilizing the grace period provided by the India amnesty for undocumented migrants.

NiDCOM's communication also highlighted the sovereign nature of deportation processes, emphasizing that such actions fall entirely within the prerogative of the host country. The commission explained that host governments typically consolidate a certain number of detainees before arranging an airlift, a practice aimed at mitigating the financial burden on their taxpayers. Despite these realities, NiDCOM affirmed that the Nigerian High Commission in India is actively engaging with Indian authorities.

These ongoing diplomatic efforts are focused on advocating for a fresh extension of the amnesty program, demonstrating a continued commitment to Nigerian consular assistance in India. NiDCOM also confirmed that its legal team is monitoring the situation closely. Beyond the immediate deportation concerns, the commission acknowledged the broader difficulties faced by migrants, including significant challenges in securing employment in host countries.

The public exchange between Rufai Oseni and NiDCOM has ignited varied reactions online. Oseni himself dismissed NiDCOM's explanation as a "glomar" reply, suggesting it was only issued under public pressure and accusing the commission of inefficiency. He reiterated that the primary focus should remain on facilitating the return of Ekene and other Nigerians from the Lampur detention centre.

While some online commentators echoed Oseni's criticism, faulting NiDCOM for perceived slow action on individual cases, others adopted a different perspective. These individuals argued that Nigerian citizens who overstayed their visas or deliberately declined an available amnesty program must ultimately bear responsibility for their legal status under the laws of the host country. This debate underscores the complex interplay between individual accountability, government advocacy, and international immigration policies.

This development underscores the critical importance for legal practitioners advising Nigerian diaspora or international migrants to monitor and proactively advise clients on host-country amnesty programs and immigration compliance. It also highlights the limitations and advocacy efforts of Nigerian government agencies in deportation cases, signaling a need to stay informed on potential extensions of such grace periods.

Source: Original reporting via Punch Nigeria