By Ebi Kesiena
At least 2,356 Nigerians were deported from India between 2019 and 2024, with removals rising sharply in recent years, according to data from India’s Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday.
Figures show deportations increased significantly from 339 Nigerians in 2021 to 1,470 during the 2023–2024 fiscal year, showing a growing enforcement drive by Indian immigration authorities.
Data covering April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, revealed that Nigerians accounted for nearly two-thirds of all foreign nationals deported from the South Asian country.
Out of 2,331 foreigners removed within the period, 63 per cent were Nigerians, placing the country far ahead of Bangladesh, which recorded 411 deportations, and Uganda with 78.
A breakdown of the statistics indicates that an average of 122 Nigerians were deported monthly in 2023–2024, roughly four individuals daily, marking a notable increase compared to earlier years.
Estimates place the Nigerian population in India at over 60,000, making it the largest West African community in the country.
The spike in deportations comes despite strengthening diplomatic relations between both nations, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission said the Federal Government has established an inter-agency committee to manage mass deportation cases and provide support for affected citizens.
Meanwhile, Indian companies have invested an estimated $27 billion in Nigeria, while bilateral trade between both countries stood at $7.89 billion in the 2023–2024 period, stressing sustained economic ties despite rising deportations.
