The Financial and Business Online Publishers (FiBOP) has called on the federal government to halt the German government’s resolve to deport about 12,000 Nigerians.
The group made the appeal in a statement issued in Lagos on Monday and signed by its president, Mr Charles Onwuatogwu.
He said the deportation could worsen economic hardship and exacerbate existing security challenges in Nigeria.
Highlighting the multifaceted challenges facing the nation, FiBOP argued that mass deportation would only intensify ongoing economic struggles and contribute to prevailing insecurity issues.
It called for diplomatic efforts to address the root causes of migration and collaborate on comprehensive solutions that prioritise the interests of both nations.
The organisation pointed out that “Nigeria is already grappling with significant economic challenges and rising insecurity” stressing that the deportation of a large number of its citizens “is a potential catalyst for further unrest.”
FiBOP underscores the need for collaborative efforts between the Nigerian and German governments to explore alternative solutions aligned with the interests of both countries.
It is worth noting that diaspora remittance in the year 2022 totaled 20.13 billion U.S. dollars. In 2022, personal remittances received in Nigeria increased by 0.7 billion U.S. dollars (+3.59 percent) since 2021, helping cushion the adverse balance of trade in favor of the country. Therefore, any attempt in this regard by Germany is bound to have an adverse impact on the economy or further exacerbate harsh economic fundamentals,” the statement said.
Amid persistent economic and security concerns, FiBOP said its call to action “underscores the importance of diplomatic dialogue in resolving migration issues without worsening the challenges faced by the Nigerian population.”
It added that its appeal “seeks to foster a cooperative approach to address the complexities surrounding migration and its impact on the socio-political landscape of Nigeria.”
