News
US to deport 201 Nigerians, says Drop Box policy not suspended
No fewer than 201 Nigerians are in the immigration camps set to be deported home from the United States in line with President Donald Trump’s immigration policy, just as the country revealed that it has not suspended the Drop Box policy of renewing its visa.
Eighty-five of those to be deported by the Donald Trump administration have been cleared for immediate eviction from the country.
According to the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., among the first batch of deportees are those serving jail terms in US prisons.
The envoy said the deportees would be taken to Lagos, but did not indicate when.
He spoke during a meeting with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in her office.
“There wouldn’t be room for whether it should be in Port Harcourt or Abuja.
“The first group will be convicted prisoners – those who committed crimes and are in US prisons.
“Some of them are those who have clearly violated US immigration laws.
“They appealed but were denied yet they are still in the US.
“They have committed immigration crime.”
The Minister pleaded for dignified treatment for Nigerians to be deported.
This is in view of the fact that many of those convicts being deported from the US are manacled – with handcuffs on their hands and legs.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu insisted that the US Government must follow the laid down conventions on the deportation of persons in repatriating immigrants.
The Minister urged the US to find a way of ameliorating the trauma of those to be deported, including allowing them ample opportunity to retrieve their assets in America.
She bemoaned the emotional and financial pains that many Nigerians in the US were already experiencing since the Trump Administration announced the plans.
She stated that the effect was far-reaching even to the hinterlands of Nigeria, where, for instance, several families, including children, relied on remittances from the US for their survival and education.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said: “With the new administration in the US, we want a situation where there will be commitments.
“If there will be repatriation, we want a dignified return.
“At the moment, we’re told that about 201 Nigerian nationals are in US immigration camps and about 85 have been cleared for deportation.
“Will there be any way of ameliorating their pains?
“This has been of great concern to not just Nigerian nationals in the US but family members in Nigeria who depend on them for survival, children whose school fees are paid for by these Diasporans.
“We are asking as a country whether they will be given ample time to handle their assets or will they just be bundled into planes and repatriated?
“It will really be traumatic, especially for those who have not committed any violent crime.”
The US envoy also spoke on the African Growth and Opportunity Act.
Mills said: “I think this (Trump) Administration will concentrate more on trade and commerce.
“This relationship is strong and we want it sustained.”
Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed concern over the likely suspension of the Drop Box Visa System by the US Government.
The Minister urged Washington DC to reconsider the suspension of the policy such that Nigerians who had been travelling to the US for genuine reasons would not have to suffer unduly in procuring a US visa.
She urged the US Government to issue a statement clarifying its actual position on the Drop Box system to assuage the concerns of anxious Nigerians.
The Minister said that about 14,000 Nigerians are students in the US, with parents living in Nigeria.
These parents, she said, were worried whether there would be any change in student policy by the new US administration.
Expressing concern over the future of the United States Agency for International Development, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said: “We can’t say whether it’s outright suspension.
“A lot of NGOs are worried and waiting for clarification.
“We will just make that appeal on behalf of the NGOs in Nigeria.
“Even less than a month into the 90-day review, there have been concerns.
“I know before the completion of the review, there’s already humanitarian issues in Nigeria and Africa.
“We will appeal that this initiative be preserved.
“Even if it’s abrogated as an agency, there must be a way of keeping the ideals to ensure that the poor beneficiaries in the communities, not just in Nigeria but Africa, are not abandoned.”
The Minister further called for the injection of more impetus in the bilateral relations between Abuja and Washington DC.
Noting that Nigeria and the US had not done well in the area of trade, especially post-COVID-19, Odumegwu-Ojukwu called for investments in the mining sector.
According to her, diversification of investments would boost exports to the US.
She called for the reactivation of the Silent Secretariat, where the two countries assessed their bilateral relations.
She explained that the foreign policy of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration, which focuses on democracy, development, demography and diaspora (4-Ds), was on course.
She restated the government’s commitment to citizen diplomacy.
She said: “One other area is not just diaspora but diplomacy, people-to-people contacts.
“So, the issue of illegal migration is there but the current administration is determined about citizen diplomacy.
“We want to know how our people in the diaspora are doing.
“We have some of them in prisons abroad.
“The administration is concerned about their welfare.”
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said that Nigeria needed strategic partnerships to tackle the demographic issue of unemployment, which triggers illegal migration, known as Japa syndrome in Nigeria parlance.
She said it was in line with the 4-Ds foreign policy of Nigeria that despite the Sahel crisis, the free movement policy of the Economic Community of West African States was still in place.
She said: “ECOWAS has been at its best, so, one has to appreciate that even with the exit of these states, free movement within the region is still there.
“The immigration has not closed the borders.”
The US envoy said he looked forward to the bilateral relations between both countries becoming broader.
Drop Box Policy not suspended
According to Mills, the Drop Box Visa Policy had not been suspended.
The envoy explained: “Whenever there is a change in administration, policies are renewed.”
He assured that the position of the new US Government on the USAID, Drop Box Visa system and others, would be known in due course.
He acknowledged that the USAID did some specific things, particularly life-saving in the health sector, and humanitarian issues like mother-child.
“Some of these NGOs are feeling the pains, but the situation is being reviewed,” Mills said.
The envoy expressed concerns over democracy in Africa, noting the exit of three Sahel states from ECOWAS as well as the challenge of counter-terrorism.
The Nation.
• One casualty recorded, three hospitalized
The Anambra State Government has sealed the site of the collapsed building at Oko in Orumba North Local Government Area of the state.
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barr. Chijioke Ojukwu announced immediate closure of the site pending comprehensive investigations and structural integrity assessments.
He said preliminary findings indicated structural failure as the likely cause of the collapse.
While reaffirming government commitment to stricter enforcement of physical planning regulations and the elimination of unsafe construction practices, Ojukwu vowed that the incident would mark a turning point in enforcement of building regulations across the state.
He assured that owners and developers of defective or non-compliant structures would face sanctions, while ongoing projects would undergo stricter inspections.
On his part, Commissioner for Works, Arc. Okey Ezeobi, said technical investigations were ongoing to determine exact cause of the collapse.
He added that government had engaged a team of professionals to carry out a comprehensive structural evaluation.
Recommendations will be implemented
He assured residents that government would implement recommendations from the investigation to strengthen the state’s building control system.
Implementation will also prevent future occurrences while ensuring prosecution of culprits in accordance with the law.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, said government immediately deployed medical personnel and ambulances to the scene to provide emergency care for the injured, while the Ministry of Health worked closely with other emergency response agencies throughout the rescue operation.
Obidike commended the swift and coordinated response of the Anambra State Government and emergency agencies, describing it as crucial to the rescue efforts and timely medical treatment of victims.
The Mayor of Orumba North Local Government Area, Rtd. Captain. Casmir Nwafor, praised the rapid intervention of the state government and emergency responders, noting that their coordinated efforts helped contain the situation and minimize further risks.
Nwafor urged developers, property owners, institutions, and residents to comply strictly with approved building regulations and safety standards, reaffirming the local government’s support for the enforcement of physical planning laws.
Running to safety
Eyewitnesses, Prince Ifeanyi Ezefunamba said the building, reportedly occupied by students of Federal Polytechnic Oko, collapsed at about 10:00 p.m. after occupants heard cracking sounds and evacuated.
One survivor, Miss Chioma Akabike narrowly escaped moments before the collapse, while rescue operations commenced immediately.
Also present during the inspection were officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) headed by the Enugu State Head of Operations, Mrs. Priscilla Mbaekwe, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Red Cross Society, and the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
Others include: the Anambra State Fire Service, and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), who participated in rescue, security, and preliminary technical assessments.
As of the time of filing this report, one fatality had been confirmed, while three injured victims were receiving treatment at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH) and St. Michael’s Hospital, Oko, as rescue operations continued.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, on Saturday commended the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for demonstrating that Local Content Policy could be a force for transforming lives and creating socio-economic value through community-focused interventions.
Speaking at the commissioning of a state-of-the-art Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre at IkaComprehensive High School, Ikot Akpan Anwa, Akwa Ibom State, the Minister said such a strategic investment in the area, with vast possibilities for research and online learning through diverse educational platforms, would bolster human capital development, digital literacy and sustainable community development.
The ICT Centre, built and equipped by the NCDMB, comprises a modern computer laboratory with 50 networked desktop workstations, an interactive smart board, projector, server room and Starlink high-speed Internet connectivity to support digital learning, research and computer-based examinations. Designed to accommodate up to 70 users, the facility also features air-conditioned learning spaces, a staff room, store and separate convenience facilities. Power reliability is supported by a 15kVA generator and a 15kVA solar power system with battery backup, complemented by a dedicated network infrastructure for seamless connectivity.
“This ICT Centre,” according to the Minister, “is far more than a building equipped with computers; it is an investment in the future of our children and a gateway to knowledge, innovation, creativity and opportunity.” Continuing, he noted that, “Nations that invest in the digital education of their young people today are the ones that will lead the world tomorrow.”
He said the initiative of the Board aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by advancing access to quality education, youth empowerment, digital transformation and inclusive economic growth, as young Nigerians in rural communities acquire relevant digital skills and competencies to participate effectively in a technology-driven economy.
Representing the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the Director, Corporate Services, Dr. Abdulmalik Halilu, stated that digital literacy and ICT capacity development remain a key component of the Board’s human capital development mandate aimed at building a skilled workforce for the Nigerian oil and gas industry and the broader economy. He noted that the facility would provide students with access to digital learning, research tools, artificial intelligence and global knowledge resources.
“This ICT Centre is more than a building; it is an investment in the future of our young people,” he stated, adding, “It represents our commitment to extending Nigerian Content objectives beyond industry into classrooms, where innovation, technology and skills development can empower the next generation.”
Halilu stressed that the project’s long-term success depends on collaboration among the Board, the school and the host community. He urged the community to take ownership of the facility and ensure its proper maintenance and sustainability for future generations.
“Our expectation is not simply to hand over a facility but to see measurable outcomes in the lives of the students who will use it. We therefore call on the school and the host community to safeguard this centre and ensure it continues to deliver value for many years to come.” He added.
Speaking on behalf of the project delivery team, the Managing Director of Standard Institute of Technology Limited, Engr. Alexander Nsidibe, expressed appreciation to NCDMB for the confidence placed in the company to deliver the project. He described the ICT Centre as a demonstration of the Board’s commitment to quality infrastructure development and human capital advancement. He pledged the company’s continued support for the facility’s maintenance for one year after handover, noting that the Centre would enhance students’ digital competencies and prepare them for productive life in industry.
In her welcome address, the Principal General of IkaComprehensive High School, Mrs. Nkom John Umoette, described the ICT Centre as a transformative intervention that would bridge existing digital access gaps. She noted that the school lacked an ICT facility, which constrained students’ exposure to digital learning and computer-based education.
She expressed appreciation to Rt. Hon. Ekpo and the NCDMB for making the project a reality, stating that the facility would equip students with essential digital skills, improve their preparedness for computer-based examinations, and create greater opportunities for academic excellence and future careers.
A representative of the community commended the Minister and the NCDMB for the delivery of the ICT Centre, noting that the facility would significantly improve access to digital learning and computer-based examinations. He recalled that students previously travelled to Uyo and neighbouring communities to register for and take examinations such as JAMB, incurring additional costs and facing logistical challenges.
Many students are reportedly trapped even as rescue operation is ongoing in Oko community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State where a private student hostel reportedly collapsed Sunday night.
Several occupants are feared trapped beneath the rubble of the three-storey building identified as Elite Five Star Lodge collapsed at Amokpala, Oko.
Eyewitnesses said a loud bang was heard moments before the multi-storey building gave way, sending students and residents rushing to the scene in confusion and fear.
“We heard a loud bang, and within seconds people were screaming for help. Everyone rushed out to see what had happened,” an eyewitness said.
Videos and photos circulating on social media showed a large crowd gathered around the collapsed structure as residents, students and emergency responders launched frantic rescue efforts. Local volunteers were also seen assisting in clearing debris in a bid to locate survivors.
Rescue operations ongoing – Police
The Anambra State Police command confirmed the incident in a statement Monday morning saying a coordinated rescue operation was underway.
The building, located beside Tonimas Filling Station, caved in on July 26, prompting an immediate emergency response from the Anambra State Police Command and other security agencies.
The statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the Police-led joint security team swiftly mobilised to the scene upon receiving a distress call adding that the area was secured to prevent further danger while rescue efforts commenced in collaboration with relevant emergency responders.
According to the statement, personnel of the Anambra State Fire Service and the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) joined the operation to assist in searching for survivors and evacuating victims from the debris.
The police command disclosed that some injured occupants have already been rescued and taken to a hospital in Oko, where they are receiving medical treatment.
However, rescue operations are still in progress, and authorities said the number of casualties or persons trapped could not yet be confirmed.
The command appealed to residents and members of the public to remain calm, refrain from spreading unverified information, and stay away from the disaster site to enable emergency personnel carry out their duties without obstruction.
Ikenga assured that further updates would be provided as more verified information becomes available.
-
News1 day agoGunmen abduct High Court Judge from his residence
-
News3 days ago
Police arrest ASP, three inspectors over viral video of ‘ethnic comment’ against motorist
-
News3 days ago
BREAKING: Bandits abduct Zamfara LG chairman, kill four security men
-
News2 days ago
Enugu Govt begins Revalidation, Digitisation of Survey Records
-
Nigerians were repatriated from Niger RepublicNigerians were repatriated from Niger RepublicNews3 days ago
Japa: 1,429 Nigerians repatriated from Niger Republic – Report
-
News3 days ago
Troops neutralise 85 bandits, rescue 283 hostages as 1 Brigade intensifies operations in Zamfara
-
News15 hours ago
Many feared trapped as three-storey hostel collapses in Anambra
-
International1 day ago
India’s Education Minister resigns
