International
Over 4,000 Nigerians Return From India Under Amnesty Programme
By Iyojo Ameh
More than 4,000 Nigerians have voluntarily returned home from India under an amnesty programme introduced by the Indian government to give undocumented foreigners an opportunity to regularise their immigration status or leave the country without penalties.
Nigeria’s High Commissioner to India, Ambassador Saidu Dahiru Muhammad, disclosed this during an interactive session with diplomatic correspondents covering the 2026 BRICS Summit in New Delhi, where he also outlined his efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and address concerns affecting Nigerians living in India.
Muhammad said the initial six-month window provided under the programme was extended by an additional three months after he assumed office, allowing more Nigerians in irregular immigration status to take advantage of the initiative. He added that Nigeria had requested a further extension of between three and six months to enable more Nigerians to benefit.
The envoy said one of his earliest engagements after arriving in India on July 23 was a virtual meeting with Nigerians across the country, during which he urged them to obey Indian laws, protect Nigeria’s image and engage only in legitimate activities.
According to him, Nigerians who participated in the engagement raised concerns over visa overstays, visa renewals and extensions, students’ welfare and medical challenges. He subsequently held discussions with officials of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, including officials responsible for Central and West Africa, on immigration and other issues affecting Nigerian citizens.
Muhammad commended the Indian government for the amnesty initiative, describing it as an opportunity for undocumented Nigerians either to regularise their status or return to Nigeria voluntarily without facing penalties.
The High Commissioner also disclosed that he had discussed the welfare of Nigerians in India with Indian authorities as part of efforts to deepen consular cooperation between the two countries.
On bilateral relations, Muhammad said his August 24 meeting with Indian President Droupadi Murmu was “fruitful and cordial”, with discussions focused on strengthening relations and expanding cooperation in strategic sectors.
He identified pharmaceuticals and healthcare, energy and renewable energy, mining and solid minerals, manufacturing, trade and investment as priority areas for increased Nigeria-India cooperation.
The envoy said Nigeria was seeking greater access to the Indian market for Nigerian businesses while encouraging Indian companies to increase their investments and operations in Nigeria.
Muhammad, who presented his Letters of Credence to President Murmu exactly one month after arriving in India, said he had also kept Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed of his diplomatic activities through regular dispatches.
He expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigerians at home and abroad for their support, stressing that his appointment was a responsibility to serve the country rather than a personal achievement.
The High Commissioner reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Nigeria-India relations, advancing economic diplomacy and protecting the interests and welfare of Nigerians resident in India.