The Nigerian presidency has clarified that the new migration agreement with the United Kingdom applies solely to Nigerian citizens and will not entail the return of foreign nationals.
Presidency spokesperson Temitope Ajayi, media aide to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said the deal covers only Nigerians in the UK without legal status, including failed asylum seekers, visa overstayers, and those convicted of crimes.
He dismissed claims that Nigeria might be forced to accept non‑Nigerians, insisting that “the Nigerian government is not taking back non‑Nigerians” and that the clarification was needed to correct misinformation about the pact.
Ajayi further stated that returning Nigerian citizens would be treated with dignity and retain their rights under Nigerian law, with the possibility of re‑applying to enter the UK in the future if they meet immigration conditions. Officials linked to Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji‑Ojo confirmed that the arrangement is strictly limited to Nigerian nationals.
Under the agreement, Nigeria will accept UK‑issued documentation, such as alternative identification certificates, for deportees who lack passports, replacing the previous reliance on emergency travel documents.
The Ministry of Interior said deportations will be processed on a case‑by‑case basis, with strict identity verification before any individual is taken in.
The broader framework also includes cooperation on information sharing, training, and capacity building in migration management and border security, underscoring the ongoing collaboration between Nigeria and the UK on immigration and security issues.
