President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has appealed to the German government not to deport approximately 12,000 illegal migrants to Nigeria, warning that such action could exacerbate security challenges in the country.
Akpabio made the plea on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annette Gunther, in Abuja.
In her remarks, Gunther emphasized the potential for partnership between Germany and Nigeria as significant economies in their respective continents, highlighting Nigeria as Germany’s second-largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa.
Akpabio, in response, highlighted Nigeria’s security concerns and urged Germany to collaborate with Nigeria in security and energy sectors to foster socio-political development.
The Senate President implored Gunther to assist Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, in addressing insecurity and bolstering its economy.
He specifically requested that Germany reconsider its decision to deport 12,000 illegal migrants of Nigerian origin, citing potential security risks. Akpabio emphasized the need for thorough assessment by Nigerian immigration officials to distinguish genuine Nigerians among the deportees. He expressed concerns that mass deportation without proper scrutiny could fuel militancy and insecurity in Nigeria, especially considering the volatile political situations in neighboring countries like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
