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…..As Diaspora Leader Calls for Enhanced Administrative Coordination to Assist Stranded Nigerians

……NIDO Africa Chairman Urges Indian Ministry of External Affairs to Ensure Uniform Implementation of Ministry’s Directives

Prof Jude Osakwe, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Africa, has commended the current waiver granted to stranded Nigerians by Indian Authorities on the verge of delay of deportation, as a a group penultimate weekend raised alarm, cautioned the government on the negative implications of such action against Nigerian Nationals.

Daily Independent learnt this from NIDO Africa Chairman, Prof. Jude Osakwe, in a telephone conversation with our reporter today, Tuesday, October 7, 2025, where he stated the outcome of his follow-up on the challenges faced by Nigerians in India.

He told our reporter that he had made contact with Nigerians in the deportation camp at Lampur India who narrated their plights to him as he expressed deep appreciation to the Government of India and the Nigerian High Commission in New Delhi for their collaborative efforts in securing a crucial overstay penalty waiver. That is, facilitating the repatriation of Nigerians stranded in India.

Prof Osakwe stated: “Following my discussions with Nigerian officials and those affected by the situation at the deportation camp in Lampur, India, I must sincerely appreciate the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and the Nigerian High Commission for their swift and humanitarian response to the challenges facing stranded African nationals”.

“The Nigerian High Commission successfully engaged with the Indian Ministry of External Affairs to secure an expedited waiver. This generous amnesty, effective from September 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026, exempts all Nigerians, including other African Nationals, from prescribed overstay penalty fees”.

The High Commission has also been providing Emergency Travel Certificates (ETCs), enabling many Nigerians to return home. We are profoundly grateful to the Indian authorities for this compassionate gesture, which was granted after they had discussions with the Nigerian High Commission,” said the NIDO Africa Chairman.

“This waiver represents a significant humanitarian initiative that demonstrates the strong bilateral relationship between India and Nigeria. We also commend the Nigerian High Commission and its dedicated team for their tireless work in supporting our citizens.”

While celebrating the success of the waiver at the policy level, the NIDO Africa Chairman drew attention to implementation challenges at the Foreign Regional Registration Office (FRRO) level that require urgent resolution to fully realize the humanitarian objectives of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs’ generous directive.

He added that, “According to the information received from affected individuals and camp representatives, there appear to be delays in the processing of exit documentation at FRRO offices, which may not yet be fully aligned with the Ministry’s amnesty directives. Of over 70 Emergency Travel Certificates issued by the Nigerian High Commission for individuals in detention facilities, fewer than 30 have completed the exit process”.

“Some individuals have reportedly seen their purchased return tickets expire while awaiting FRRO clearance, creating additional financial and logistical hardships”.

“We understand that coordinating such a significant policy shift across multiple agencies and regional offices takes time and effort. However, given the time-sensitive nature of the six-month waiver window and the vulnerable conditions of those affected, we appeal to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs to ensure that their commendable directive is uniformly implemented across the FRRO level.”

The NIDO Africa Chairman also expressed concern about reports from individuals in detention facilities who claim to have faced unofficial financial demands despite the amnesty, though he emphasized that these matters require proper investigation and verification.

Prof Osakwe said: “We trust that the Indian authorities will look into these allegations with the same seriousness and compassion they have demonstrated in granting the waiver itself”.

The media learnt that the High Commission team has assured the NIDO Africa Chairman of their continued engagement with Indian counterparts at all levels.

Prof Osakwe stated that the team expressed optimism that enhanced coordination between the Ministry of External Affairs and FRRO offices will resolve these bottlenecks, allowing the repatriation process to proceed smoothly for all eligible individuals.

NIDO Africa Chairman had quoted his brief findings from the leadership of the Nigerian High Commission in India as he stated: “We have full confidence in the Indian government’s commitment to humanitarian principles and believe these are temporary coordination challenges that will be swiftly addressed”.

“The leadership shown by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs in granting this waiver demonstrates their goodwill, and we trust this will be reflected throughout the implementation chain.”

While Jude Osakwe commended the Overstay waiver granted to Nigerians in India and the development as regards India-Nigeria Cooperation, Osakwe appealed for expedited consideration for individuals in vulnerable health conditions within detention facilities who require urgent medical attention upon their return home.

“Time is of the essence for these individuals, and we respectfully request priority processing to enable them to access proper healthcare”.

Professor Osakwe noted that since India is not a country in Africa, he cannot fold his arms and allow Nigerians to suffer. Nigerian High Commission in India remains committed to working constructively with both Nigerian and Indian authorities to ensure the welfare and safe repatriation of Nigerian citizens”.

“The Overstay waiver has no doubt helped towards strengthening the partnership between our two nations. The situation will be continuously monitored, and support will be provided to facilitate the successful implementation of this important humanitarian initiative.”