Friday, March, 20 2026 - The Nigerian government has signed a deal with the United Kingdom to receive deported failed asylum seekers and convicted criminals, as both countries deepen cooperation on migration control and security.
The agreement was signed by Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of
the Interior, and Shabana Mahmood, Home Secretary, during President Bola
Tinubu’s state visit to the UK, the Home Office announced on Thursday, March
19.
The new deal will also allow Britain to send visa
overstayers to Nigeria, and it comes with wide flexibility for the UK.
According to the deal, the Nigerian government will
recognise UK letters – an identification document issued to individuals without
a valid passport – so people will no longer have to wait for emergency travel
documents to be issued before they can be returned.
The agreement was struck during President Bola Ahmed
Tinubu’s state visit to the UK.
Speaking on the deal, Border Security and Asylum Minister,
Alex Norris, who signed on behalf of Britain, said: “Nigeria is a key partner
in our work to tackle illegal migration, as the UK’s largest African visa
market and home to thousands of Nigerians who have built their lives here.
“Anyone who abuses our systems, breaks our laws, or tries to
cheat their way into Britain will be stopped and removed. Today’s agreement is
another step in our mission to restore order to the border by ensuring those
who have no right to be here are swiftly removed.
“Nigeria is a key partner in our work to tackle illegal
migration, as the UK’s largest African visa market and home to thousands of
Nigerians who have built their lives here. We owe everyone across the system
fairness.”
On his part, Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo,
said: “For us, as a country, we keep saying that we are totally committed to
being a responsible country in fulfilling our core obligations.
“It is good that we are starting this with the UK. This
relationship with the UK means a lot to Nigeria. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
has shown great commitment to this.
“So it is one relationship that we aim to be able to sustain
for generations yet to come. And for us to sustain that relationship, we must
remember: ‘He who comes to equity must come with clean hands.’ So we need to be
as open and as fair as possible.
“Hopefully, this strengthened partnership will be a template
for other bilateral understandings.
“The agreement marks a shared commitment to safe, fair, and
well‑managed migration. Annual returns to Nigeria have nearly doubled to 1,150.
Returns and deportations of illegal migrants and foreign criminals from the UK
have reached nearly 60,000 since the 2024 election.
“A further agreement to launch joint operations and share
information has been reached to crack down on criminal gangs abusing visa
routes, making sure all arrivals are genuine and ready to contribute.”
0 Comments