Between 2019 and 2024, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported 902 Nigerians, according to ICE’s 2024 Annual Report. Deportations of Nigerians peaked during Donald Trump’s presidency, especially in 2018 and 2019, but declined by 51.7% over six years, from 286 in 2019 to 138 in 2024. Currently, 3,690 Nigerians still face removal orders. Nigeria had the highest number of deportations among African countries, followed by Senegal and Ghana.
ICE attributed recent deportation surges across Africa to the Electronic Nationality Verification (ENV) system, which sped up identity checks and facilitated quicker removals. Overall, Mexico led globally in deportations, with 434,827 removals over the same period.
Under Trump’s Executive Order 13768 (2017), ICE broadened its removal criteria, leading to a spike in deportations. However, numbers dropped significantly during President Biden’s term, focusing on serious criminals and national security threats.
Amid these developments, Nigerian officials urged the US to ensure a humane deportation process, raising concerns over the emotional and financial toll on deportees. The Federal Government of Nigeria has set up a special inter-agency committee to support returning citizens.
