The Presidency on Tuesday announced plans by the Germany to deport about 30, 000 Nigerians currently seeking asylum in the country. The Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Diaspora and Foreign Affairs, Hon. Abike Dabiri Erewa disclosed this at a programme; “Developing a mixed migration strategy for UNHCR Nigeria” in Abuja.
“Germany said it has about 25,000 to 30,000 Nigerians seeking asylum and they can’t guarantee they will get it. So, there is every possibility that they will be returned to Nigeria.
“Some who are from the East and West are saying they are running away from Boko Haram while some others say they are gays and were having challenges expressing themselves in Nigeria.”
She however said a date has not been fixed for the deportation of the affected Nigerians.
“Germany has set up a team working with the ministry of foreign affairs to see how the whole process [of deportation] can be made easier.
“We are looking at the option of reverse migration also where you can actually stay in your country and enjoy everything you are migrating abroad to get.”
She advised Nigerians to refraining from migrating abroad as foreign countries now have their peculiar problems confronting them. She assured that the current administration was taking steps to address most of the challenges that hitherto necessitated such exodus.
“The government is already doing much to tackle the issues that are encouraging irregular migration. We are also fighting corruption, insecurity and trying to revive the economy.”
