By Elias Nnamdi

A large group of 400 Nigerians, consisting of 90 women and 310 men, has arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja after being deported from the United Arab Emirates.

A massive influx of 400 Nigerians, comprising 90 women and 310 men, has landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, marking a significant repatriation effort from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This large-scale deportation underscores the complexities of international migration and the challenges faced by Nigerian citizens abroad.

The deportees, who arrived in the early hours of the morning, were received by a team of officials from the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and other relevant authorities. The returnees were provided with necessary assistance, including food, water, and medical care, to ensure their well-being after the long journey.

According to reports, the deportation was carried out by the UAE authorities due to various reasons, including visa violations, illegal residence, and engagement in criminal activities. The Nigerian government had been engaged in diplomatic efforts to ensure the safe return of its citizens, and the successful repatriation is a testament to these endeavors.

The arrival of the deportees has sparked mixed reactions, with some expressing relief at their safe return, while others have raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding their deportation. The Nigerian government has assured that it will investigate the matter and provide necessary support to the returnees to reintegrate into society.

As the deportees begin their journey back to their respective homes, it is essential to acknowledge the challenges they face, including stigma, economic hardship, and social exclusion. The government and relevant stakeholders must work together to provide adequate support and resources to ensure their successful reintegration.

The incident serves as a reminder of the need for robust migration policies, effective diaspora engagement, and strengthened bilateral relations to protect the rights and interests of Nigerian citizens abroad. As the country continues to navigate the complexities of international migration, it is crucial to prioritize the welfare and dignity of its citizens, both at home and abroad.

The UAE’s visa ban on Nigerians, imposed nearly two years ago, is a symptom of the lingering diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and the UAE. A key factor contributing to this rift was the Central Bank of Nigeria’s inability to remit around $850 million in revenue to the UAE, resulting in Emirates Airline halting flights to Nigeria. This dispute has been a significant point of contention in the strained diplomatic relationship between the two countries.

Nearly 400 Nigerians, including 90 women and 310 men, were deported from the UAE and arrived in Abuja on September 12, 2024. This comes amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and the UAE, which have been strained since the UAE imposed a visa ban on Nigerians almost two years ago. The ban was triggered by various disputes, including the non-payment of $850 million in revenue to the UAE, resulting in Emirates Airline halting flights to Nigeria. Although both countries have made efforts to resolve their differences, including Nigeria paying most of the owed amount and the UAE lifting visa restrictions in July 2024, this deportation indicates that tensions remain

Upon arrival at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, the deported Nigerians were greeted by a team of officials from various government agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, and the National Emergency Management Agency, who worked together to ensure their safe reception and provided necessary support.