Federal Government has said it is not against the deportation of Nigerians who have overstayed their welcome abroad, but insists such deportation must be done within the ambit of international law.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olugbenga Ashiru, said this on Tuesday in Abuja while addressing members of the diplomatic corps serving in Nigeria.
He said Nigerians being deported must be treated with dignity and respect.
Ashiru was obviously referring to the deportation of 53 Nigerians from the United Kingdom and another 56 expected from South Africa later this week.
Ashiru said, “Let me state here that the Federal Government is not opposed to the deportation of Nigerians who no longer have the right to remain in the countries from where they are being deported, especially after they might have exhausted all local remedies.
“We however insist that this deportation should be done within the appropriate institutional and legal framework and with dignity and decency.
“While urging Nigerians all over the world to continue to be law-abiding and not abuse the hospitality of their hosts, the government not tolerate maltreatment of Nigerians for no just cause.
“I must emphasise that it is a cardinal principle of Nigeria's Foreign Policy to promote and protect the welfare of Nigerians all over the world.
“We will not abdicate this responsibility to our citizens all over the world and in all circumstances.”
As a sign of its respect for international law on matters of migration, the minister said Nigeria had signed a number of MOUs with some countries on the subject.
Ashiru also frowned upon some missions breaching proper channels of communication with the Nigerian ministries, agencies and departments.
According to him, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains the official channel of communication between government and accredited missions.
He assured the envoys of the ministry's readiness to expedite action on requests made to facilitate their smooth operations in Nigeria.
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