Archive · 10 Sep 2026
Nigeria’s High Commissioner Reports Amnesty Departures, Seeks India Extension
Nigeria’s new High Commissioner to India, Saidu Dahiru Muhammad, spoke about his first month in office.
He met Nigerians living in different parts of India and encouraged them to follow Indian laws.
Community members raised concerns about visas, students and medical needs.
India offered an amnesty programme for Nigerians living there without valid immigration status.
The programme lets them make their status legal or leave without penalties.
More than 4,000 Nigerians have reportedly left India through the programme.
Nigeria is asking India to extend the programme for another three to six months.
The two countries also want to increase cooperation in business, healthcare, energy and other industries.
More than 4,000 Nigerians reportedly left India voluntarily under an amnesty programme for undocumented residents.
Nigeria has requested an additional three-to-six-month extension to help more citizens regularise their status.
High Commissioner Saidu Dahiru Muhammad discussed visa, student welfare and medical concerns with Nigerians across India.
Muhammad said the initial six-month amnesty was extended by three months after his appointment.
Nigeria and India identified pharmaceuticals, healthcare, energy, mining, manufacturing, trade and investment as priority areas.
- Who
- Saidu Dahiru Muhammad, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to India, Nigerian citizens in India, and Indian authorities.
- What
- Muhammad reported on immigration discussions, the departure of more than 4,000 Nigerians under an amnesty programme, and efforts to strengthen Nigeria-India cooperation.
- When
- Muhammad arrived on 23 July and presented his credentials to President Droupadi Murmu on 24 August; the report covers his first month in office.
- Where
- New Delhi and other parts of India.
- Why
- To address immigration and community concerns, help Nigerians regularise their status or leave without penalties, and expand bilateral economic cooperation.
- Reported voluntary departures
- More than 4,000 Nigerians left India under the amnesty arrangement.
- Initial amnesty period
- Six months.
- Previous extension
- The programme was extended by an additional three months after Muhammad’s appointment.
- Requested extension
- Nigeria requested a further three to six months.
- Credential presentation
- Muhammad presented his credentials to President Droupadi Murmu on 24 August.
- Priority sectors
- Pharmaceuticals, healthcare, energy, renewable energy, mining, solid minerals, manufacturing, trade and investment.