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No fewer than 974 Nigerians are currently facing imminent deportation from Canada, according to official data released by Canadian authorities.
Information from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) shows that the affected individuals fall under the country’s “removal-in-progress” category. This classification means deportation procedures have already been initiated but have not yet been completed.
Between January and October 2025, Canadian authorities deported at least 366 Nigerians. Data indicate that about 83 per cent of those removed were failed refugee claimants, while criminal-related cases accounted for roughly four per cent.
Under Canadian law, individuals issued enforceable removal orders are legally required to leave the country.
Canada remains one of the top destinations for Nigerians outside the United States and the United Kingdom. Records show that more than 71,000 Nigerians obtained Canadian citizenship between 2005 and 2024, with thousands more entering the country each year as students, skilled workers, and permanent residents.
The latest figures place Nigeria as the only African country among the top 10 nationalities deported in 2025, ranking ninth overall. Nigeria also ranks fifth among countries with the highest number of nationals currently awaiting removal.
This marks a significant increase compared to previous years, as Nigeria did not feature in the top 10 deportation list in either 2023 or 2024. The 2025 data also reflect an eight per cent rise when compared with figures from 2019.
Canada is currently carrying out an aggressive nationwide immigration enforcement campaign, deporting nearly 400 individuals each week. In the 2024–2025 fiscal year alone, 18,048 foreign nationals were removed at an estimated cost of approximately $78 million.
Authorities say the intensified enforcement is part of efforts to meet tighter immigration targets and reduce pressure on housing, employment, and border security. The initiative is being supported by additional funding, including $30.5 million allocated for deportations and $1.3 billion earmarked for border enforcement.
Meanwhile, immigration lawyers have warned that deportation numbers could rise further if Bill C-12 is passed, as the proposed legislation may introduce permanent bans on certain categories of refugee claims.
