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Tag: Geoffrey Onyeama

  • 1000 Nigerians faces deportation from Austria 

    1000 Nigerians faces deportation from Austria 

    About 1000 Nigerians irregular migrants are to be deported back home from Austria, it was learnt.

    The government of Austria said it is in the process of organizing training programmes for the irregular migrants, after which they would be deported back home.

    The country’s Director General, International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), Michael Spindelegger, who gave the hint Thursday at the meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, stated that it was to prepare them for gainful employment in Austrian companies to be set up later in the country.

    Spindelegger explained that the proposed programme will facilitate reversed migration of the irregular migrants, who have no likelihood of being given legal residents in Austria.

    He said: “It is a new idea of how to combine future investment in Nigeria with the return of irregular migrants.

    “A lot of companies are interested in investing in Nigeria because of its market. The idea is to train these irregular migrants before repatriating them so that when they come back, they will have something to do instead of becoming liabilities.

    “The idea is also to encourage more Austrian companies to come and invest in Nigeria so that they also could contribute to solving the problem of unemployment and irregular migration.”

    Spindelegger added that there is provision for asylum in Europe but in a situation where an emigrant fails to secure asylum, the person would be deported at the long run.

    “For them, there is no chance of remaining in the country because once they are picked, they would not be allowed to take anything but would be brought back to their country empty.

    “There are about 1000 Nigerians not granted refugees status living in Austria. The programme is starting with Nigeria as a pilot, then, we will see what the experience is before extending it to other countries.”

    He stressed that though only few Austrian companies exist in Nigeria currently, efforts were being made to convince companies involved in the programme to come and invest in Nigeria.

    “It is also part of the programme. They can get benefits from the European Union for the investment, which serves as more business security for Nigerians.

    For Minister Onyeama, the initiative will not only have Nigerians come back home to contribute to national development, the country also stand to benefit from foreign investors.

    On how soon the project will take off, the Minister stated that it will depend on the companies that are part of the programme.

    “It could be companies in Austria that are interested in investing in any sector of Nigerian economy. They would be selecting from Nigerian irregular migrants in Austria, train them and send them down to Nigeria to work with their companies in Nigeria”, the Minister added.
    The Minister however dismisses fears of likely ploy to deport Nigerians in the country through the process.

    “Remember that those Nigerians are in that country illegally, and do not have any prospect of regularizing their stay. As such, they would be deported in any case.

    “So, instead of being deported with the shame that comes with it, they would be given training and guaranteed employment with the companies that would be coming to invest in Nigeria”, he said.

  • India grateful to Nigeria, Benin for help in recovering missing ship

    India grateful to Nigeria, Benin for help in recovering missing ship

    India has thanked the governments of Nigeria and Benin for their help and support in locating a ship that went missing off West Africa coast with 22 Indians on board.

    India’s External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday said the tanker had been released.

    Swaraj, who, on Monday, sought the assistance of the Nigerian Government in recovering the ship, shared the news of the release on her Twitter handle, @SushmaSwaraj.

    Read also: Indian envoy: MOOCs help youths skill up

    “I am happy to inform that Merchant Ship Marine Express with 22 Indian nationals on board has been released,” she tweeted.

    In a later tweet, the minister further thanked the governments of Nigeria and Benin for their help and support.

    The minister had earlier that she spoke with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, who “promised all help and assistance in locating the missing ship”.

    She added that a helpline was also set up.

    The external affairs ministry had on February 3 announced that the vessel Marine Express (oil tanker), owned by Mumbai-based Anglo Eastern shipping company with 22 Indians on board was “presumably missing off the coast of Benin in the Gulf of Guinea”.

    The ministry’s spokesperson, Raveesh Kumar, tweeted that the Indian mission in the Abuja was in contact with authorities in Nigeria and Benin and both countries had coordinated efforts to locate the missing vessel.

    NAN

  • Nigeria summons U.S ambassador over Trump’s ‘shithole’ comment

    Nigeria summons U.S ambassador over Trump’s ‘shithole’ comment

    The Federal Government on Monday summoned the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Stuart Symington, over President Donald Trump’s alleged derogatory comment about Africa.

    Trump was widely quoted in media report as referring to Africa nations as “shithole countries.”

    However, the U.S President has denied making such comment.

    Nigeria viewed the alleged statement as hurtful and offensive if truly it came from Trump.

    The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, in a closed- door meeting with the U.S ambassador sought clarification on the remark.

    Symington, who was out of the country, was represented by the Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S Embassy in Abuja, Amb. David Young.

    According to a statement signed by the ministry’s Spokesperson, Dr. Tope Ade Elias-Fatile, the U.S Deputy Chief of Mission said his country continue to hold Nigeria in very high regards.

    Young also pointed out that there were several contradicting accounts by those present on Trump’s remark.

    The statement reads: “The Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffery Onyeama, today (Monday) summoned the U.S ambassador to Nigeria to clarify issues regarding the remarks credited to the U.S President, Donald Trump, in which he was widely quoted in media report as referring to Africa countries as ‘shithole countries’ and which he denied.

    “The U.S ambassador, who was out of Nigeria, was represented by Amb. David Young, the Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of the United States of America in Abuja.

    “The Minister sought clarification on the veracity or otherwise of the substance of the remarks, stressing that if they were true, they were deeply hurtful and offensive and unacceptable, especially given the very warm and cordial relations that presently exist between the Nigeria government and the government of the United States of America.”

     

  • 487 Nigerian returnees arrive Port Harcourt from Libya

    487 Nigerian returnees arrive Port Harcourt from Libya

    The second batch of 487 Nigerian returnees from Libya arrived Port Harcourt International Airport at about 10.43 p.m. on Monday in Max Air.

    On Friday, the Federal Government announced the establishment of a reception centre in  Port Harcourt for 5,037 Nigerians being evacuated from Libya.

    The returnees were received by officials of National Emergency Management Agency ( NEMA ), led representatives from other Federal Government agencies.

    NEMA officials conveyed the returnees to Haji camp where they were profiled and fed.

    Officials were on ground to check the returnees’ body temperature and also gave immediate first aid to those in need.

    Read also: 1,295 Nigerians returned from Libya in November

    Officials also said that 487 returnees are expected to be transported back to their states of origin within few days.

    The Federal Government on Monday said it has so far evacuated 1,030 stranded Nigerian migrants from Libya between January 7 and January 8.

    Mustapha Maihaja, the Director-General of National Emergency Management Agency, disclosed this at a joint news conference by the Federal Government delegation to Libya.

    Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, had on January 5 led a delegation on fact finding mission to Libya to secure the release of Nigerian migrants stranded in that country.

    Onyeama said the Nigerian mission in Libya was coordinating the identification of the Nigerian migrants with the support of International Organisation for Migration.

    According to him, they are being joined by a technical team comprising representatives from NEMA, Immigration and other relevant Nigerian government agencies.

    The minister said that the political and security challenges in that country made it difficult to secure the evacuation of some Nigerians back home.

    He added that “there are different centres of power in that country.

    The central government recognised by the UN and AU do not have full control of the territories controlled by rebels.”

    He pointed out that there were over 50 detention camps in Libya, many of them under the control of rebels and militia groups.

    NAN

  • Migrants: Committee evacuates 545 Nigerians from Libya

    Migrants: Committee evacuates 545 Nigerians from Libya

    …says over 16,000 were evacuated in 2017 from different countries

     

    Additional 545 Nigerian migrants were expected back home on Monday from Libya, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama led committee on Libya migration crisis has said.

    This is apart from the 485 that were repatriated at the weekend from Libya.

    The committee also revealed that a technical team has been left behind in Libya to search out Nigerians scattered across the war turn county.

    Meanwhile, a grand total of 16,387 persons were deported to Nigeria across the globe in 2017.

    The committee which briefed newsmen in Abuja yesterday also noted that it was able to visit only five of about 50 camps where Nigerians are been held in captivity.

    Onyeama briefed alongside other members which include, the comptroller General of immigration Mr Muhammed Babandede, the Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking Persons, Julie Okah-Donli, Director General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr. Mustapha Maihaja and Sadia Umaru-Farouk, Commissioner for Refugee.

    The comptroller General of immigration Mr Muhammed Babandede who reeled out the the figures of Nigerian repatriated from Libya revealed that in 2017 alone, the country received 5908 migrants and if added to Sunday returnee of 4585, we would have 6,393 deportees from Libya alone.

    Babandede speaking on the outcome of the findings by members of Federal Government Delegation to Libya said, “I want to state that in 2017 alone we have received in to the country deportees specifically from Libya, 5908.

    “So if you add to the number we received on Jan.7 which was 485 from Libya it will give you 6,393 deportees we received Libya.

    “The ratio of those deported on Jan. 7 is very interesting, the male is 398, female 84, children 3.

    According to him a total of 3,498 men, 2,684 female and minors 211 were deported from Libya in 2017 which shows the ratio between male and female is almost balance.

    He also noted that of the 485 returnees over the weekend, 398 are male, female 84 and children 3.

    ImmIgration boss also noted that a total number of 3498 deportees from Libya were men, 2,684 female, minors 211 “which shows the ratio between male and female is almost balance.”

    He revealed further that a grand total of 16,387 persons person were deported to Nigeria across the globe in 2017.

    He said, “I don’t want us to look at it as if it only in Libya the deportees are coming from, like from Saudi Arabia surprisingly we have a total deportees of 3836 deportees in 2017 alone the ratio is very interesting male only 395 female 2,331 children 1,110 the ratio in Saudi Arabia is high from other countries you know Europe has been deporting the highest number from other countries is from south Africa, Italy and Austria the total number we have from other countries is greater than the one in Libya, 6643, so grand total of person deported to Nigeria in 2017 is 16,387 we afraid this might continue or even be higher in 2018.”

    He also said that the security agencies will also screen the returnees to identify those who were trafficked and those who are irregular migrants.

    The committee also promised to train the returnees and empower them so as to ensure their smooths integration into the society.

  • Onyeama receives 491 Nigerian returnees from Libya

    Onyeama receives 491 Nigerian returnees from Libya

    The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama, has reassured Federal Government’s commitment to return all stranded Nigerians from Libya.

    Onyeama gave the assurance when he received 491 Nigerian returnees from Libya at Port Harcourt International Airport, alongside Rivers Government officials.

    The minister said there were stories of exploitation and suffering by stranded Nigerians in Libya, which compelled Federal Government to act decisively.

    He added that “we made it clear to the Libyan Government that we want to see all Nigerians there. We insisted that we should see all of them, instead of hearing from them.

    “We made it clear that they ( Libyans ) are signatories to international conventions and we expected them to have control of those who guard our children.

    “They cooperated with us because of respect for Mr President, there were people who were making money from these children and did not want them to return home.

    “We carried out rigorous outreach to ensure that we have everybody back.”

    The minister noted that the programme was a continuous process that would return all stranded Nigerians from Libya.

    The minister explained that “the Libyan Government got the message that as far as they are Nigerians, we have zero tolerance for molestation.”

    The Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), Sir Kenneth Kobani, who led the state delegation, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for making efforts in returning the stranded Nigerians.

    He said “as a state government, we had no choice really, let me say that the Rivers State Governor made it clear to me that  we should  do everything possible to make sure that this exercise was handled smoothly.

    “The  Rivers State Government would do everything in its power to assist federal agencies handling this programme, because above everything else, we are all Nigerians and this programme is a clear indication that when we work together, we can achieve anything.

    “What you are seeing here today clearly shows that our governor and indeed the President feel same about this issue.

    “On behalf of the Rivers State Governor, Mr Nyesom Wike, I will like to thank President Muhammadu  Buhari, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and his team who worked tirelessly to make the return of our brothers and sisters successful.”

    Reports say that all the returnees were profiled at designated booths at the airport.

    The minister was accompanied by officials from the Nigerian Immigration Service, NEMA NAPTIP and military personnel.

    NAN

  • Another 257 Nigerians arrive from Libya

    Another 257 Nigerians arrive from Libya

    A few hours after 144 Nigerians voluntarily returned from Libya, another aircraft carrying 257 of their compatriots on Wednesday landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

    The spokesperson for the Lagos Airport Police Command, Mr Joseph Alabi, confirmed this in an interview in Lagos.

    Alabi said the returnees arrived aboard a Libyan Airlines aircraft at the Cargo Wing of the airport at about 1.30 a.m.

    He said they were assisted back to Nigeria by the International Organisation for Migration ( IOM ) and the European Union ( EU ) after being stranded in the volatile North African country enroute Europe.

    Alabi said “We received another batch of Nigerians early this morning from Libya.

    “They comprised of 65 adult females, 179 adult males, seven children and six infants.”

    He also confirmed that four of the returnees had medical cases and were promptly taken away on an ambulance for treatment.

    According to him, the returnees were received by officials of the National Emergency Management Agency, Nigerian Immigration Service, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.

    Report says another set of 144 Nigerians had arrived on Tuesday at about 6.45 p.m. aboard a chartered Buraq Airlines aircraft with registration number 5A-DMG.

    They were received at the Hajj Camp area of the airport by the Wife of the President, Haija Aisha Buhari, represented by the Wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Mrs Bolanle Ambode.

    Also on ground to receive them was the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa and officials of other government agencies.

    Report also says the Federal Government said it has a record of 2,778 Nigerian migrants registered in “accessible” detention camps in Libya, ready for repatriation.

    The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement signed by the Spokesperson, Mr. Tiwatope Elias-Fatile on Tuesday, said the country’s embassy in Libya had been visiting detention camps to identify Nigerians for registration.

    The ministry stated that those registered were issued Emergency Travel Certificates.

    Read also: More Nigerians return from Libya

    The ministry also explained that the embassy, in collaboration with the IOM, repatriates 250 migrants weekly and had returned 3,000 of them so far.

    “From the 2,778 registered Nigerians who are still in detention camps, another set of 250 Nigerian migrants will be arriving on Tuesday December 5 via the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos, at 7.00pm, to be received by NEMA officials.

    “The Embassy, in collaboration with the IOM, repatriates 250 Nigerian migrants by flight to Lagos weekly – each flight can accommodate only 250 passengers.

    “The repatriation is a continuous exercise and the Embassy routinely issues the requisite travel documents to the migrants.

    “The Embassy will continue to engage the legitimate government in Libya and other stakeholders in addressing the plight of Nigerian migrants in that country.”

    The ministry further said the Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, had invited the Nigerian Embassy’s Head of Mission, Mr. Iliya Fachano, to Abuja for consultations.

    “He is in Abuja already and during the period of the consultations, arrangements have been made for him to address press conferences on the issue.

    NAN

  • FG identifies 2,778 Nigerians in Libya’s detention camps

    FG identifies 2,778 Nigerians in Libya’s detention camps

    The Federal Government says it has a record of 2,778 Nigerian migrants registered in “accessible” detention camps in Libya, ready for repatriation.

    The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement signed by the Spokesperson Mr Tiwatope Elias-Fatiile on Tuesday, said the country’s embassy in Libya had been visiting detention camps to identify Nigerians for registration.

    The ministry stated that those registered were issued Emergency Travel Certificates.

    The ministry also explained that the embassy in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) repatriates 250 migrants weekly and had returned 3,000 of them so far.

    “From the 2,778 registered Nigerians who are still in detention camps, another set of 250 Nigerian migrants will be arriving today at Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos at 7.00.p.m. to be received by NEMA officials.

    “The Embassy, in collaboration with the IOM repatriates 250 Nigerian migrants by flight to Lagos weekly – each flight can accommodate only 250 passengers.

    “The repatriation is a continuous exercise and the Embassy routinely issues the requisite travel documents to the migrants.

    Read also: FG to fly home stranded Nigerians in Libya

    “The Embassy will continue to engage the legitimate government in Libya and other stakeholders in addressing the plight of Nigerian migrants in that country.”

    The Ministry further said that the Foreign Affairs Minister Geoffrey Onyeama had invited the Nigerian Embassy’s Head of Mission, Mr Iliya Fachano, to Abuja for consultations.

    “He is in Abuja already and during the period of the consultations, arrangements have been made for him to address press conferences on the issue.

    “This would afford the Nigerian public the opportunity to hear from him directly.”

    The ministry, however, advised intending Nigerian travellers to “avoid Libya at this period, because of the dangers they may encounter in the process of their journey”.

    The ministry also urged citizens to reach the Nigerian Embassy in Libya for assistance through these emergency numbers: +218910144487, +218925099384 and +218917953365.

    “The contact email addresses for the embassy and the ministry are: nigeria@nigeriantripoli.org and help@foreignaffairs.gov.ng.

    It said that the embassy had received requests for intervention from some relations of the victims based in Nigeria through these contacts.

    While condemning the slave market in Libya, the ministry said it would engage the UN, African Union, European Union and other stakeholders to ensure that the perpetrators were brought to justice.

    “It violates the fundamental human rights of the victims and it is unacceptable to the civilised world.”

    NAN

  • Morocco: ECOWAS Heads of State to determine fate in December

    Morocco: ECOWAS Heads of State to determine fate in December

    The fate of Morocco’s application to formally join the ECOWAS sub-regional group as a full member would be determined in December by the ECOWAS Heads of State.

    Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyeama said in an interview that there were currently arguments against and for the admission of the North African country into the West African sub-regional bloc.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Morocco’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation had in February announced the plan by the country to join the 15-member sub-regional bloc.

    “The kingdom of Morocco has informed President of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the current chair of ECOWAS of “its interest to join the regional group as a full member” a statement from the ministry said.

    However, Onyeama told NAN in New York that “A definitive decision would be taken at the end of the year.

    “Clearly, there are some countries that feel that Morocco shouldn’t join and one or two others that feel that Morocco may join and different arguments are advanced.

    “So ultimately the ECOWAS Head of States will take a decision on that.

    “I think in principle, there’s nothing against Morocco joining ECOWAS but it’s just whether it would add, whether it would be a win for the ECOWAS region or not.

    “So the Heads of State will take a final decision later in the year at the next summit meeting of ECOWAS Heads of State in December,” Onyeama said.

    The country had said its plan to join ECOWAS as a full member was in line with provisions of ECOWAS founding treaty and in full satisfaction of its membership criteria.

    According to Morocco, the decision was informed by the need “to crown the strong political, human, historical, religious and economic ties at all levels with ECOWAS member countries”.

    Morocco maintains institutional relations with ECOWAS through an observer status, which has been in place for several years.

    However, there have been pressures by various groups, particularly, the Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria, asking Nigeria and ECOWAS to resist any attempt by Morocco to join the sub-regional body.

    They argued that Morocco is coming to whittle down the power of Nigeria, not only at ECOWAS and African Union but also at the United Nations.

  • Nigeria remains steadfast in anti-graft war – Onyeama

    Nigeria remains steadfast in anti-graft war – Onyeama

    The Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyeama, has declared that Nigeria remained steadfast in the fight against corruption and called for close collaborations to fight the menace to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    Onyeama stated this at an event on “Building Interactive Coalition against Corruption to Achieve the SDGs” co-hosted by Britain, Denmark and Nigeria on the margin of the United Nations General Assembly.

    The minister lamented that Nigeria had suffered from the severe effects of corruption, leading to the loss of billions of dollars to foreign havens since independence.

    He regretted that the funds were stolen and expatriated by corrupt officials and their accomplices.

    However, he said Nigeria recognises the importance of collective commitment to winning the fight against corruption and every form of impunity.

    “From the onset of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, fighting corruption has been one of the three pillars of the administration’s priority programmes.

    “Buhari demonstrated zero tolerance for corrupt practices by combating corruption head-on. The administration has strengthened all relevant institutions to fight corruption in all its forms and manifestations.

    “It has also introduced a new anti-corruption strategy, which was launched in 2017,” he said.

    Onyeama said the National Assembly had passed several legislations and was currently debating others in its efforts to combat corruption, adding that “Nigeria now has the “Whistle Blowing Policy.”

    He added: “Nigeria remains steadfast in the fight against corruption and this common goal we share is within reach.

    “What is required is close collaboration with all stakeholders and a concerted focus to ensure that our commitments in the anti-corruption campaign are achieved.”

    NAN