Nigeria has signed a new agreement with the United Kingdom allowing British authorities to deport failed asylum seekers, visa overstayers, and convicted offenders back to the West African country.
The deal was formalised by Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the UK.
Under the agreement, Nigeria will accept UK-issued identification letters for individuals without valid passports, removing a key administrative barrier that previously delayed deportations.
Officials said the arrangement gives the UK broader flexibility to return undocumented migrants, including those who have exhausted their legal appeals.
While the timeline and financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, reports indicate that hundreds of Nigerians currently facing deportation in the UK could be affected.
Speaking on the development, Tunji-Ojo said Nigeria’s participation reflects its commitment to international cooperation and responsibility.
“To sustain our relationship, we must remain open, fair, and accountable,” he said.
UK Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Alex Norris, described Nigeria as a key partner in tackling illegal migration, noting that those who abuse the immigration system would be removed.
The agreement also includes plans for joint operations between both countries to combat organised immigration crime, including visa fraud, sham marriages, and document forgery.
Additionally, both nations will collaborate on intelligence sharing through a new “fusion cell” system involving government agencies, financial institutions, and technology firms to tackle online scams and criminal networks.
Nigeria is also expected to review its laws to strengthen penalties for immigration-related offences, as part of broader efforts to curb transnational crime.
