Canada granted refugee protection to 3,463 Nigerians in 2025, even as 21,573 applications from the country were still awaiting determination by the end of the year.
Figures published by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada revealed that Nigerians submitted 6,765 asylum claims within the 12-month period.
A breakdown of the processed applications showed that 3,463 were successful, 1,377 were declined, 46 were abandoned, while 153 were withdrawn or classified under other outcomes, leaving 5,039 cases concluded.
The approval rate for Nigerian applicants stood at approximately 68 per cent, marking a notable increase compared to earlier years.
However, the backlog remained significant, with 21,573 Nigerian claims still pending as of December 31, 2025.
Nigeria ranked among the top sources of asylum seekers to Canada during the year, alongside countries such as India, Haiti, Iran and Mexico.
According to Canadian refugee laws aligned with the United Nations 1951 Refugee Convention, individuals may be granted protection if they establish a credible fear of persecution or serious harm in their home country.
Such risks may arise from factors including race, religion, nationality, political beliefs or membership of a particular social group, as well as exposure to torture or degrading treatment.
The board stated that asylum claims can be initiated either at entry points or from within the country, after which officials of the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada or the Canada Border Services Agency assess eligibility before referral for full hearing.
Applicants whose claims are upheld are recognised as protected persons and may proceed to apply for permanent residence, while unsuccessful claimants may face removal.
In total, Canada handled 107,802 asylum claims across all nationalities in 2025, with 50,067 cases decided. Of these, 14,619 were approved and 7,944 rejected.
The board linked the steady rise in applications in recent years to global crises, conflicts and increasing displacement, though it noted a sharp drop in fresh claims in early 2026 compared to 2024.
Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia remain the provinces hosting the largest populations of asylum seekers.
