14,000 Nigerians meant for deportation lack identification cards, German Chancellor reveals

The German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, has explained why no fewer than 14,000 Nigerians living in the country risk deportation.

Scholz said it is attributed to the spike in the number of Nigerians seeking asylum, with a great number of them without identification cards and Nigerians who have behaved well in their country to benefit Nigeria.

The German Chancellor added that approximately 12,500 Nigerians are in a condition of tolerance in Germany as a result of the Nigerian government’s reluctance to admit people without the necessary identity documents.

Speaking during a meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja on Tuesday, Scholz said, “The current spike in Nigerians filing initial asylum claims in 2023 has sparked worries. Nearly 14,000 Nigerians might be deported, and the great majority of them do not have the necessary identification cards.

“We are prepared to collaborate in order to enhance migration,” the statement stated, adding that Germany would be happy to send back any Nigerian national who has behaved well.

Meanwhile, Tinubu alluded to the potential for cooperation in order to resolve the matter of deportation.

The President also underlined that his administration is ready to allow people to return, especially those who are recognised as fellow citizens and have behaved well.

“Nigeria is prepared to welcome them back “as long as they have behaved well,” but only if they stand to gain something from it. Rather, we ought to cease providing the 640 million euros in development funding.

“If someone is a compatriot and has ‘behaved well,’ we are willing to accept them back.

“We’re prepared to collaborate in order to enhance migration,” he declared.

Nigeria had long been one of the top 10 countries of origin for German asylum applicants, but recently, the proportion has begun to decline.