Nigeria and the United Kingdom signed a landmark migration agreement designed to fast-track the deportation of thousands of individuals from the UK to Nigeria.
The presidency clarified that the deal applies strictly to Nigerian nationals and does not include foreign nationals. The primary groups targeted for return are failed Asylum Seekers of Approximately 961 Nigerians who have exhausted all legal appeals are currently awaiting deportation and Individuals whose legal right to remain in the UK has expired.
For the first time, Nigeria will accept UK-issued identification letters as valid travel documents for deportees without passports. This removes the previous administrative delay caused by waiting for Nigerian emergency travel certificates.
The partnership aims to cut bureaucratic delays and significantly scale up deportation numbers over time.
Both countries agreed to a three-year plan to combat organised immigration crime, including visa fraud, sham marriages, and online scams, through enhanced intelligence sharing.
Returnees are guaranteed treatment with dignity and may re-enter the UK in the future if they meet valid immigration requirements.
The agreement was formalised by Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to London. Analysts note this deal positions Nigeria as a key partner in the UK’s renewed migration enforcement strategy following the collapse of the previous Rwanda asylum scheme.
