UK-Nigeria Migration Deal Targets Undocumented Nigerians Only – Presidency

The Nigerian Presidency has pushed back against what it described as widespread misinformation surrounding the migration agreement reached during President Bola Tinubu’s recent state visit to the United Kingdom, clarifying the scope and intent of the deal.

According to the government, the agreement permits the UK to return individuals who have no legal right to remain in the country. This includes failed asylum seekers and foreign national offenders. A notable provision in the arrangement allows Nigeria, for the first time, to accept alternative identification documents—known as “UK letters”—for individuals without valid passports. This change is expected to eliminate administrative delays that previously hindered deportation processes.

Available data from UK authorities shows that approximately 961 Nigerians have exhausted their asylum appeal options, while an additional 1,110 Nigerian offenders are currently awaiting deportation.

The Presidency emphasized that the agreement applies strictly to Nigerians who lack legal status in the UK and does not extend to non-Nigerian nationals. This clarification was issued by Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, in a statement shared on X, following the announcement by the UK Home Office.

“For clarity, it is important to state that the agreement signed by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during the state visit of President Tinubu on behalf of the government of Nigeria and Home Secretary, Rt Hon Shabana Mahmood, on behalf of the UK government, only relates to Nigerians who do not have legal status to live and remain in the UK,” Ajayi said.

Ajayi further stressed that Nigeria would not accept non-citizens under the deal, nor was the UK compelling the country to do so.

“This clarification becomes necessary because of those who have already revved up their misinformation machinery,” he said.

Nigeria, UK Outline Return Process for Nigerians

In a separate statement, the Ministry of Interior assured that all returnees would be treated with dignity and in accordance with Nigerian law. It also noted that such individuals would retain the right to re-enter the UK in the future, provided they meet the necessary immigration requirements.

The ministry explained that the agreement establishes a structured framework for the safe and dignified return of Nigerians without legal status in the UK. This includes secure travel documentation, thorough identity verification on a case-by-case basis, and protections for vulnerable individuals, including potential victims of trafficking.

“It also provides detailed arrangements for the dignified return and reintegration of Nigerians who do not have the legal right to remain in the UK. This arrangement includes the use of secured travel documentation, case-by-case identity verification, and safeguards for vulnerable individuals and potential victims of trafficking,” the statement read.

Beyond deportation procedures, the agreement also outlines broader areas of cooperation between both countries. These include information sharing, capacity building, training initiatives, and joint research efforts focused on migration management and border security.

The deal was formally signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, during Tinubu’s official visit.

Commenting on the development, Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to its international obligations and responsible migration governance.

“We are totally committed to being a responsible country in fulfilling our core obligations.”