NiDCOM Defends Handling of Nigerians Detained in India

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) defended its actions concerning Nigerians detained in a deportation camp in New Delhi, India. The commission stated that an amnesty program, which began on May 1, 2025, was available for undocumented Nigerian migrants, allowing over 4,000 to return home without penalties.

However, some detainees, including Ekene, did not take advantage of this program and were subsequently arrested. Journalist Rufai Oseni criticized NiDCOM and its Chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for their slow response in addressing Ekene's case, claiming that despite providing contact details, neither NiDCOM nor the Nigerian mission reached out to him.

Oseni reported that conditions at the Lampur detention centre were dire, with over 200 Nigerians stranded. NiDCOM acknowledged the situation, stating that deportations are at the host country's discretion and that they are advocating for a fresh extension of the amnesty program while monitoring the detainees' circumstances.