Olaf Scholz, the chancellor of Germany, revealed that over 14,000 Nigerian nationals are at risk of deportation and provided explanations for this.
According to Scholz, the surge in Nigerian asylum seekers—many of whom lack identity cards—is the cause of the huge deportations.
According to the German Chancellor, Nigerians submitted a sizable number of initial asylum petitions to the nation in 2023, with a rather low recognition rate.
The inability of the Nigerian government to admit those lacking the required identity documents has left about 12,500 Nigerians in Germany under a situation of tolerance.
For a considerable time, Nigeria was among the top 10 countries of origin for Germans seeking asylum; but, in recent times, the percentage has started to decrease.
However, concerns have been raised by the recent increase in Nigerians submitting initial asylum claims in 2023. It is possible that over 14,000 Nigerians may be deported, and the vast majority of them lack the required identity documents.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasised the value of cooperation in discussions with Nigerian officials on Tuesday, Nov. 7, while he was in Abuja. The talks concerned the deportation issue.
He said: “We are prepared to collaborate in order to enhance migration.”
He continued by saying that any Nigerian nationals who had behaved decently would be gladly sent back to Germany.
Despite his somewhat cryptic answers, Tinubu hinted at the possibility of working together to find a solution.
He emphasised that the Nigerian government is prepared to let people go back, particularly those who have behaved well and are acknowledged as fellow citizens.
Nigerian authorities do not now recognise replacement documents issued by Germany. Scholz and Tinubu discussed this topic as well.
Tinubu said during the joint press conference: “We’re prepared to collaborate in order to enhance migration.”
He went on to say that they are happy to welcome someone back if they are a fellow citizen and have “behaved well.”
The impending deportation of a sizable number of Nigerians from Germany highlights the challenges that both nations encounter in the migration process.
The recognition of asylum claims, the unavailability of identity documents, and the requirement for collaboration are the three primary facets of this ongoing issue.
As Germany and Nigeria attempt to reach a consensus on this matter, it is unclear how this situation will play out and what conditions will be met to facilitate these individuals’ return to Nigeria.
