Travel News

At least 897 Nigerians secured asylum in the United States over the past two years.

This was according to the latest case-completion data from the Executive Office for Immigration Review, EOIR.

The data showed that in 2023, US judges granted asylum to 514 Nigerians while another 383 Nigerians were granted asylum in 2024.

The figures marked a 25% decrease between the two years.

The EOIR published the annual report via the United States Department of Justice’s ‘Asylum Decisions by Nationality’ portal, which includes data on every country that has registered asylum cases so far.

In 202 the number of Nigerians seeking asylum was the third highest among African nations.

Nigeria is behind Cameroon, which has the highest number with 527 Cameroonians seeking asylum.

Other African countries with notable numbers include Ethiopia (291), Ghana (238), Egypt (203), Eritrea (193), Uganda (86), Senegal (99), and Sudan (42).

Meanwhile, on a global scale, Russia recorded the highest number of asylum grants in 2024 with 3,605 approvals.

Russia is followed by China with 2,998 grants. Venezuela and Nicaragua recorded 2,656 and 2,000 grants to complete the top four.

A total of 897 Nigerians have secured asylum in the United States over the past two years, according to the latest case-completion data from the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).

The data reveals that in 2023, U.S. judges granted asylum to 514 Nigerians, while 383 were granted asylum in 2024, marking a 25% decrease between the two years.

The EOIR publishes this annual report through the U.S. Department of Justice’s “Asylum Decisions by Nationality” portal, which includes data on every country that has registered asylum cases.

In 2024, the number of Nigerians seeking asylum was the third highest among African nations, following 527 Cameroonians and 291 Ethiopians. Other African countries with notable numbers included Ghana (238), Egypt (203), Eritrea (193), Uganda (86), Senegal (99), and Sudan (42).

However, African nationals still represent a relatively small portion of the overall asylum applications in the U.S., which continue to be dominated by applicants from Latin America and Eurasia.

On a global scale, Russia recorded the highest number of asylum grants in 2024, with 3,605 approvals, a sharp increase attributed to draft evasion and dissidence related to the Ukraine conflict.

China followed with 2,998 grants, as more dissidents fled the communist regime, while Venezuela and Nicaragua recorded 2,656 and 2,000 grants, respectively.

U.S. immigration judges also granted asylum to large numbers from Central America: 1,684 Salvadorans, 1,624 Hondurans, 1,592 Guatemalans, 1,007 Cubans, and 751 Mexicans. On the denial side, Mexico had the highest number of rejections with 3,910, followed by China (903), El Salvador (2,880), Ecuador (2,774), and Peru (2,424).

Asylum applications in the U.S. are governed by Section 208 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Individuals in the U.S. can apply for asylum if they can prove a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. However, factors like criminal convictions, missed filing deadlines, and the issue of “firm resettlement” can jeopardize asylum claims.

The asylum process operates through two tracks: “affirmative” cases, which are submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and “defensive” claims, which are made when individuals are already in removal proceedings.

Affirmative cases that are denied are rerouted to the EOIR’s immigration courts, where government attorneys can oppose release.

Nigeria has been ranked third on the list of African countries with the highest number of deportations from the United States between 2020 and 2025.

A total of 437 Nigerian nationals were removed from the US during the period.

This is according to recent data from the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, as reported by Vanguard.

Ahead of Nigeria on the list are Mauritania (second) and Senegal (first).

Many are facing deportation because of criminal convictions or final orders issued by immigration judges.

ICE’s enforcement actions are authorized under Title 8 of the United States Code, which allows officers within the Enforcement and Removal Operations, ERO, division to remove non-citizens with final orders of removal.

The data reveals the ongoing challenge faced by the US President Donald Trump’s administration in managing individuals with criminal backgrounds.

Here is the list of African countries ranked by the number of deportations from the US between 2020 and 2025:

Senegal – 689 Mauritania – 481 Nigeria – 437 Egypt – 387 Ghana – 276 Angola – 227 Cameroon – 166 Guinea – 162 Somalia – 154 Kenya – 131

Earlier this month, the Trump administration revoked the visas of hundreds of international students, forcing many to exit the US within days.

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BY Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha 

Following the reopening of Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA), Ibom Air has announced the resumption of its flight operations to and from Enugu, effective Sunday, May 4, 2025.

This development comes after the issuance of an official NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) on April 28, 2025 (Ref: A0126/25 NOTAMC A0125/25), confirming that Runway 08/26 at Enugu Airport has resumed normal operations.

“Consequently, all scheduled Ibom Air flights to and from Enugu from May 4 onwards have been reinstated.

“Our Customer Service Team is actively reaching out to affected passengers to facilitate rebooking and alternative travel arrangements where necessary,” the airline stated.

Read also: Airlines shun NiMET strike, continue flight operations

The airline says it appreciates the patience and understanding of passengers during the temporary disruption.

BY Wole Shadare

Efforts to sanitise and streamline Nigeria’s air cargo sector are currently underway, with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) spearheading these reforms at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA).

Experts estimate that over $5 billion is required to upgrade air cargo facilities across at least 24 airports nationwide. FAAN’s Managing Director, Olubunmi Kuku, is pushing to modernise processes and invest in infrastructure that will elevate Nigeria’s air cargo sector, positioning the country to capture more of the global air cargo market.

This effort is essential in transforming Nigeria’s export landscape and improving the acceptance of Nigerian goods abroad.

In the first quarter of 2024, Nigeria’s air transport sector facilitated the export of goods valued at N55.32 billion, making up just 0.29 per cent of the total export value of N19.167 trillion.

Maritime transport dominated, with 99.25 per cent of exports, while air transport accounted for a larger share of airports, handling goods worth N707.56 billion, or about 5.60 per cent of the total import value of N12.643 trillion.

These figures clearly highlight the need for Nigeria to bolster its air cargo capacity and address the export-import imbalance.

Kuku is keen on reversing this trend by tackling the root causes—outdated airport infrastructure, a shortage of air – craft, and underinvestment in the aviation sector.

However, FAAN is already taking action within its means by investing in critical infrastructure and optimising operations to ensure compliance with international standards.

This includes improving the cargo processing facilities at MMIA and ensuring the handling of both perishable and non-perishable goods meets lobal benchmarks.

A significant step in this effort was the commissioning of Nahcoaviance’s N1 billion Export Processing and Packaging Centre in February 2024.

This pathway tracks exports from registered farms, through licensed handlers, and ensures compliance with stringent regulatory checks by Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Services (NAQS), NDLEA, and Customs before goods are sent to airlines.

The export pathway includes a registered shipper who aggregates and consolidates products, a regulated agent licensed as KC3, and certified handling companies meeting international standards.

These measures are designed to increase Nigeria’s export acceptance, reduce cargo rejection rates, and streamline operations. These trial runs aim to assess the effectiveness of the Air Cargo Pathway developed by the Roadmap Committee”.

The trials will involve stake holders from across the Air Cargo ecosystem, including key government agencies such as the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), NAFDAC, the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Services (NAQS), NDLEA, and Nigerian Customs.

This collaborative effort is designed to ensure smoother, more reliable export processes for Nigerian goods, especially perishables, and improve the overall efficiency of the sector.

Under Kuku’s leadership, the cargo section of Nigeria’s airports is undergoing a major transformation. John Ogbe, Head of the Cargo Department, emphasized that nearly 90% of cargo personnel have been registered, with biometric data collection to follow.

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria, April 28 (Reuters) - At least 26 people were killed on Monday when two vehicles detonated an improvised explosive device in Nigeria's northeastern Borno state, the heartland of an Islamist insurgency, residents said.
The International Safety Organization, which provides security to foreign non-governmental organisations in the northeast, said in an internal memo seen by Reuters that the vehicles moving between the towns of Rann and Gamboru Ngala hit an IED.

By Ope Adetayo

Summary

• Militants have upped activity since January
• Less infighting, better technology seen as factors
• Islamic State may also be sending help, analysts say
• Dozens killed in attacks in recent days

ABUJA, April 29 (Reuters) - A surge in attacks in Nigeria's northeast by Boko Haram and its splinter rival ISWAP has raised fears of a major comeback by jihadists, whose tactics now include armed drones and explosive devices planted on major roads, security experts said.

At least 22 people were killed in weekend raids by militants in Adamawa and Borno states, while 26 others died on Monday after an explosive device ripped into two vehicles in Borno.

By Camillus Eboh

ABUJA, April 29 (Reuters) - Nigeria has appointed a new commander for its fight against insurgency in the northeast after renewed attacks in the last four months that have killed several civilians and soldiers in the region.

The military appointed Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar as its 15th commander in the fight against Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgency in the northeast, Reuben Kovangiya, spokesperson for the operation, said in a statement.

Abubakar's previous roles include deputy commandant of the Nigerian Defence College and commander of a major security operation in north-central Nigeria.

Boko Haram and its splinter rival, the Islamic State West Africa Province, have increased attacks in recent weeks in northeast Nigeria. 

These incidents have raised fears of a major comeback by the jihadists, whose tactics now include armed drones and explosive devices planted on major roads, security experts said.

On Tuesday, ISWAP claimed responsibility for an attack on Borno state that killed at least 26 people, the group said in a statement on Telegram.

By : Sodiq Omolaoye, Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s timely intervention protected thousands of Nigerian pilgrims from being priced out of this year’s Hajj.

Shettima noted that amid rising costs of Hajj fare and sharp depreciation of the Naira, Tinubu approved critical measures that shielded intending pilgrims from the harsh impact of global economic shocks.

The Vice President stated this on Wednesday in Abuja at the second National Hajj Stakeholders Summit organised by the Hajj Institute of Nigeria (HIN) in collaboration with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

The summit, themed “Sustainable Hajj Financing: Developing a Resilient Model for Nigerian Pilgrims and Operators”, brought together stakeholders to explore long-term solutions for financing Hajj in Nigeria.

Shettima, who was represented by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Legal and Compliance Matters, Office of the Vice President, Bashir Maidugu, noted that the support from the President included ensuring the timely allocation of foreign exchange and diplomatic engagements with Saudi authorities to secure more favourable terms for Nigerian pilgrims.

The Vice President said: “In the last two years, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to ensuring the success and improvement of Hajj operations in Nigeria.

“Recognising the spiritual significance of Hajj to millions of Nigerians, the Tinubu administration has consistently provided the necessary support, ranging from facilitating timely foreign exchange allocations for pilgrims to diplomatic engagements with Saudi authorities to secure better terms and conditions for Nigerians.

“The recent landmark approval of special interventions to cushion the impact of rising costs on 2025 Hajj operations is a clear testimony to this administration’s dedication.

“In the face of global economic challenges and sharp fluctuations in the value of the Naira, Mr. President personally approved critical measures to protect the interests of intending pilgrims, ensuring that this sacred obligation remains within reach for thousands of Nigerian Muslims.”

Shettima added that the present administration has actively supported institutional reforms aimed at strengthening NACHON and other stakeholders, laying a foundation for a more resilient and self-sustaining Hajj sector.

According to him, the increasing costs associated with Hajj, coupled with economic fluctuations and global uncertainties, underscore the necessity for funding a sustainable financing model for Hajj and Umrah.

The Vice President said Nigeria needed to establish a system that ensures affordability for pilgrims while maintaining the integrity and quality of service.

Shettima urged stakeholders to take lessons from successful models in Malaysia and Indonesia, which he said have built resilient Hajj savings schemes that subsidise pilgrimage costs and contribute to national development.

He specifically referenced Malaysia’s Tabung Haji, which he added has successfully combined Sharia-compliant savings with strategic investments over six decades, and Indonesia’s Hajj Fund Management Agency (BPKH), which recently provided a 59 per cent subsidy to its pilgrims.

“These models exemplify the potential of strategic fund management in achieving both financial sustainability and enhanced pilgrim service,” Shettima said.

“It is in alignment with these global best practices that in the year 2020, NACHON rolled out its Hajj savings scheme as provided for in its establishment act.”

Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, urged the management of the Hajj Commission to digitize and simplify Hajj operations to reduce costs and improve services that could support pilgrims’ comfort and safety.

Represented by the Emir of Keffi, Alhaji Dr. Shehu Chindo Yamusa III, the Sultan called on the Hajj institute to provide training and certification programs for Hajj operators, staff, and stakeholders, including providing means for research on Hajj operations to help policymakers in decision making.

“Our Imams and Islamic teachers, I humbly call on you to provide spiritual guidance, encouraging cooperation on the rights and welfare of Pilgrims, this will help in the development of policies aligned with religious values and principles,” he said.

Speaking, Chairman of NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, said the commission is fully prepared for the 2025 Hajj operations.

He disclosed that the Federal Government has licensed four airlines for the airlift of over 40,000 pilgrims, excluding more than 14,000 traveling with tour operators.

Usman said the inaugural flight for this year’s Hajj has been scheduled for May 9, while assuring Nigerians of the commitment of the commission to provide effective and efficient services to pilgrims.