The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has urged President Bola Tinubu to take advantage of the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Nigeria to seek the release of 1.3 million Nigerians that are incarcerated in different prisons in India.
While extending its warm welcome to the Prime Minister of India during his historic maiden visit to Nigeria—marking the first visit from an Indian Prime Minister in 17 years, Ohanaeze Ndigbo noted that the visit heralds a remarkable opportunity for both nations to forge stronger ties across multifaceted sectors, particularly in technology, energy, and infrastructure.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its Secretary-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Ohanaeze noted that pressing humanitarian considerations must be addressed during the visit.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo emphasizes the alarming statistic that over 1.3 million Nigerians are currently imprisoned across various states in India, a situation that must not be overlooked. This represents a notable humanitarian crisis, given that India houses more Nigerian nationals in its prisons than any other country globally.
“These individuals include those mistakenly caught within the web of stringent immigration laws, as well as those pursuing genuine educational endeavours and medical care”, the group said.
The Secretary-General stated that the organisation’s advocacy for these detainees does not apply to those serving sentences for legitimate criminal convictions.
It added, “Rather, our appeal is directed towards those who find themselves trapped by issues of immigration complexities or who are victims of discrimination within the Indian societal fabric.
“It is our steadfast belief that President Tinubu should use this significant diplomatic channel to advocate for a reconsideration of these cases, appealing for a state pardon for the innocent and the unjustly imprisoned”.
Ohanaeze, however, stressed that India’s enduring diplomatic relationship with Nigeria has spanned an impressive 66 years, beginning with establishing its diplomatic mission in Lagos in November 1958.
The statement added, “In light of the socio-economic aspirations that underpin the bilateral relationship between our great nations- India, the world’s largest democracy, and Nigeria, the largest democracy on the African continent, Ohanaeze Ndigbo urges President Bola Tinubu to seize this moment to negotiate comprehensive agreements that will facilitate mutual investment.
“The industrious spirit of cooperation must reflect a commitment to advancing our shared economic interests, particularly in critical sectors such as mining, infrastructure, transportation systems, and railways”.
