The Federal Government has congratulated Donald Trump on his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States of America.
The message was conveyed in a statement issued by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, on Tuesday.
Nigeria stressed the strong and historic ties between the two nations, highlighting their shared cooperation in areas such as the promotion of good governance, sustainable development, and the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
The statement expressed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with the United States under President Trump’s leadership, to advance the interests and well-being of both nations’ citizens.
The Federal Government said Nigeria looked forward to continued collaboration with the US in addressing global challenges and fostering mutual growth.
The statement read, “Nigeria and the United States of America have enjoyed cooperation in diverse areas of mutual interest, especially in the promotion of good governance, sustainable development, and the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
“Nigeria, therefore, looks forward to further strengthening our historic, strong, and vibrant strategic partnership for the benefit of all our people.”
Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States on Monday during a historic inauguration ceremony held inside the Capitol Rotunda due to inclement weather.
Meanwhile, Nigerians in the United States were on Tuesday reassured that large-scale deportation efforts are unlikely to materialise, even as immigration policies are expected to become stricter.
Fears of mass deportations under Donald Trump’s administration may be overblown, according to experts who cite constitutional and logistical challenges as significant barriers.
During his speech, Trump touched on issues including immigration, border control, economic reforms, and energy policies.
Among the first executive orders signed by Trump was an attempt to end birthright citizenship, a right enshrined in the US Constitution and upheld by the Supreme Court for over 125 years.
Trump also declared a national emergency at the southern border, announcing measures to combat illegal immigration and pledging to halt all illegal entry.
However, the Chairman Emeritus of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Americas and Director of the African Diaspora Congress, Obed Monago, who spoke to our correspondent reassured Nigerians in the US that fears of mass deportations under the Trump administration are unfounded.
Monago cited constitutional and logistical hurdles as key factors preventing such large-scale actions.
According to Monago, the US Constitution does not allow mass deportations through executive orders, as such measures typically require Congressional approval.
He stressed the significant resources needed for such an initiative, resources that have not been allocated. Additionally, opposition from many border towns and counties further complicates the feasibility of implementing mass deportations.
Monago believes the Trump administration’s deportation threats are likely to remain unfulfilled campaign promises, though he acknowledges that US immigration policies are likely to become stricter.
“I don’t envision deportations of that magnitude to take place, so, the level of fear and anxiety should be minimal.
“For one, the constitution of the United States does not empower such actions through executive orders, but usually, through the act of the congress. So, expect some checks and balances.
“The deportation at the magnitude he is talking about can only be taken at the face value, because it is not feasible, given the amount of resources it will require. Such resources have not been appropriated for.
“The Trump administration will also need the cooperation of border towns and counties, some of which have out-rightly and openly kicked against such massive deportation initiatives.
“So, in the final analysis, Trump’s deportation threat can only be taken simply as an unfilled campaign promise. But, do not discount the fact that immigration policies of the United States will change,” he explained.
With the Republican Party in control of both the legislative and executive branches, more drastic measures are anticipated.
However, Monago argued that deporting millions of people is unrealistic. He noted that individuals with criminal records are the most likely to face heightened scrutiny under any new policies.
Also, a Nigerian technocrat living in Minnesota, Chief Azuka Aghenu, raised concerns about how specific policies could impact Nigerians, particularly undocumented immigrants and those holding visitor or business visas.
Aghenu advised Nigerians to avoid applying for employment illegally, engaging in unlawful activities, or driving under the influence, as these actions could attract the attention of immigration authorities.
He also warned that Nigerians traveling to the US to give birth for the purpose of securing citizenship for their children may face stricter enforcement under the administration’s policies.
“Two policies of Trump would affect Nigerians; those Nigerians without proper documentation residing in the US and those with visitors or business visas.
“If Nigerians in the US have immigration issues, they must not apply for employment, get drunk, or drive around.
“Those Nigerians that have plans of coming to the US to give birth to their children all in the name of citizenship, the policy would affect them,” he stated.
Additionally, Aghenu highlighted another area of concern: rising medication costs under new executive actions.
“One of executive actions that will affect Nigerian living in the USA will be on medication drug cost for those on Medicare and Medicaid, the lowered prices for drug cost will go up exponentially,” he noted.
