The Nigerian government has agreed to accept deported failed asylum seekers, convicted criminals, and visa overstayers from the United Kingdom as part of deepened cooperation on migration control and security.
The pact was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of the Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the UK. UK Border Security and Asylum Minister Alex Norris, who also signed on Britain’s behalf, hailed Nigeria as a “key partner” in tackling illegal migration—noting it as the UK’s largest African visa market and home to thousands of Nigerians who have integrated there.
Key features include Nigeria’s recognition of UK-issued identification letters for individuals lacking valid passports, eliminating delays for emergency travel documents. The deal offers the UK significant flexibility in returns, with annual repatriations to Nigeria nearly doubling to 1,150. Since the 2024 UK election, total returns and deportations of illegal migrants and foreign criminals have hit nearly 60,000.
Norris emphasized: “Anyone who abuses our systems, breaks our laws, or tries to cheat their way into Britain will be stopped and removed. Today’s agreement… ensures those who have no right to be here are swiftly removed. We owe everyone across the system fairness.”
A companion agreement launches joint operations and intelligence-sharing to dismantle criminal gangs exploiting visa routes, ensuring only genuine arrivals who contribute to society.
The partnership is seen as a potential template for future bilateral migration deals, promoting safe, fair, and well-managed flows
