The Nigerian government has signed a new agreement with the United Kingdom to accept deported failed asylum seekers and convicted criminals, as both countries deepen cooperation on migration control and security.
The deal was signed by Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to the UK, the Home Office announced on Thursday, March 19.
Under the agreement, the UK will also be able to return visa overstayers to Nigeria, with provisions that give Britain broader flexibility in carrying out removals.
A key aspect of the deal is Nigeria’s recognition of UK-issued “letters” — identification documents for individuals without valid passports. This means deportees will no longer need to wait for emergency travel certificates before being returned.
Speaking on the agreement, UK Border Security and Asylum Minister Alex Norris described Nigeria as a crucial partner in tackling illegal migration.
“Nigeria is a key partner in our work to tackle illegal migration, as the UK’s largest African visa market and home to thousands of Nigerians who have built their lives here,” he said.
“Anyone who abuses our systems, breaks our laws, or tries to cheat their way into Britain will be stopped and removed. Today’s agreement is another step in our mission to restore order at the border by ensuring those with no right to be here are swiftly removed. We owe everyone across the system fairness.”
On his part, Tunji-Ojo said Nigeria remains committed to fulfilling its international obligations and strengthening bilateral relations with the UK.
“For us as a country, we are committed to being responsible in fulfilling our core obligations. This relationship with the UK means a lot to Nigeria, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown strong commitment to it,” he said.
“We aim to sustain this relationship for generations to come. To do so, we must remain open, fair, and guided by the principle that ‘he who comes to equity must come with clean hands.’”
He added that the agreement could serve as a model for future bilateral partnerships.
The deal reflects a shared commitment to safe, fair, and well-managed migration. Annual returns to Nigeria have nearly doubled to 1,150, while overall returns and deportations of illegal migrants and foreign criminals from the UK have reached nearly 60,000 since the 2024 election.
Both countries also agreed to launch joint operations and enhance intelligence sharing to crack down on criminal networks exploiting visa systems, ensuring that migrants entering the UK are genuine and able to contribute positively.
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