As Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his official visit to Nigeria, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, a prominent chieftain of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called on President Bola Tinubu to use the diplomatic opportunity to negotiate the release of over 1.3 million Nigerians currently imprisoned in Indian prisons.
Modi arrived in Nigeria on Saturday evening and was formally welcomed by President Tinubu the following day. The two leaders are set to hold talks on strengthening bilateral relations between their nations. However, Isiguzoro believes that this visit provides a crucial moment for the Nigerian government to address an ongoing humanitarian issue involving Nigerians detained in Indian prisons.
A Growing Crisis for Nigerians in India
According to Isiguzoro, more Nigerians are imprisoned in India than in any other country. He called the situation “alarming” and stressed the need for immediate diplomatic attention. The Ohaneze leader referred to verified intelligence that suggests that over 1.3 million Nigerians are currently incarcerated in India.
“This is a crisis that must not be ignored,” Isiguzoro said in a statement released on Sunday. “India is now home to more Nigerian nationals in its prisons than any other nation, and it is time the Nigerian government took action to secure their release.”
Isiguzoro further explained that many of the detained Nigerians had fallen victim to India’s strict immigration policies. These policies, he said, do not adequately distinguish between genuine students, medical tourists, and legitimate businesspersons. As a result, many Nigerians find themselves wrongfully detained without proper trials or due process.
Focus on Humanitarian Concerns
Isiguzoro’s appeal for President Tinubu’s intervention is not meant to include Nigerians serving sentences for criminal activities. Instead, he advocates for the release of those caught in the complex web of immigration laws and those who may be enduring unfair detainment due to racial discrimination.
“The Nigerian government’s primary focus should be on the release of those unjustly detained,” Isiguzoro stated. “These are individuals who, through no fault of their own, have been subjected to prolonged imprisonment without access to fair trials or justice.”
He also called attention to the humanitarian aspects of the issue, pointing out that many of those in Indian prisons were pursuing legitimate educational opportunities or medical treatments.
“This represents a major humanitarian crisis,” Isiguzoro added. “Nigerians who went to India to better their lives, whether through education or healthcare, are being caught in a system that does not offer them the justice they deserve.”
Diplomatic Solutions and Economic Opportunities
In his statement, Isiguzoro emphasized that this situation should be a top priority in President Tinubu’s discussions with Prime Minister Modi. He called for a direct dialogue about the release of Nigerians imprisoned in India, as well as a broader discussion on strengthening Nigeria-India relations.
“This is a diplomatic opportunity that should not be missed,” Isiguzoro said. “President Tinubu must leverage this visit to secure the release of those unjustly detained.”
Isiguzoro also urged the Nigerian government to shift the focus of the dialogue toward fostering strong economic partnerships with India. He highlighted areas such as technology, energy, infrastructure, and railway systems, where Nigeria could benefit from collaboration with India.
“India’s expertise in these sectors can help revitalize Nigeria’s economy,” Isiguzoro pointed out. “We must look at these discussions as an opportunity to create jobs and bring innovative solutions to our country’s infrastructure challenges.”
Nigeria’s Role in BRICS
In addition to addressing the issue of Nigerian prisoners in India, Isiguzoro called for Nigeria’s inclusion in the BRICS economic bloc. BRICS, which consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has become a significant player in global trade and economic influence.
“Joining BRICS would allow Nigeria to trade more effectively, especially using the Naira, our local currency,” Isiguzoro explained. “This would not only help stabilize Nigeria’s economy but also empower us to better negotiate trade agreements.”
He further emphasized that Nigeria’s potential inclusion in BRICS aligns with President Tinubu’s previous discussions at the G20 Summit in India, where the Nigerian leader showed interest in strengthening global economic ties.
