Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar stated on Saturday that his country refuses American pressure to accept Venezuelan deportees from U.S. territory, including former prisoners.

In an interview with Nigerian Television, Tuggar revealed that the United States is exerting significant pressure on several African nations, including Nigeria, to accept deported Venezuelans—some of whom were directly released from U.S. prisons.

Key Statements by Minister Tuggar:

"This is unacceptable. We already face enough challenges of our own."

Nigeria, with its population of approximately 230 million, cannot accommodate foreign nationals deported for criminal or legal reasons.

"African sovereignty must be respected. We cannot bear burdens resulting from other nations' immigration policies."

Broader Context:

The remarks come after U.S. President Donald Trump hosted a mini-summit this week with leaders from Liberia, Senegal, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, and Gabon. A U.S. official confirmed that Trump proposed a plan to send deportees—including third-country nationals like Venezuelans—to African nations.