The Federal Government of Nigeria has entered into a new migration agreement with the United Kingdom, allowing for the return of Nigerian nationals who have no legal right to remain in Britain.
The deal was reached during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to the UK — a visit described by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer as “historic,” noting it is the first by a West African leader in 37 years.
At the heart of the agreement is Nigeria’s decision to recognise UK-issued “return letters” as valid identification for its citizens without passports. This development is expected to fast-track deportation processes, removing the need for emergency travel documents, which often delay returns.
Speaking on behalf of the British government, Border Security and Asylum Minister Alex Norris said: “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.
“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 to the border by ensuring those who have no right to be here are swiftly removed.
“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. We owe everyone across the system fairness.”
On Nigeria’s part, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to responsible migration management.
He stated: “For us, as a country, we keep saying that we are totally committed to being a responsible country in fulfilling our core obligations. It is good that we are starting this with the UK. This relationship with the UK means a lot to Nigeria. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown great commitment to this.
“So it is one relationship that we aim to be able to sustain for generations yet to come. And for us to sustain that relationship, we must remember: ‘He who comes to equity must come with clean hands.’ So we need to be as open and as fair as possible.
“Hopefully, this strengthened partnership will be a template for other bilateral understandings. The agreement marks a shared commitment to safe, fair and well-managed migration. Annual returns to Nigeria have nearly doubled to 1,150. Returns and deportations of illegal migrants and foreign criminals from the UK have reached nearly 60,000 since the 2024 election.
“A further agreement to launch joint operations and share information has been reached to crack down on criminal gangs abusing visa routes, making sure all arrivals are genuine and ready to contribute.”
The agreement also introduces stricter verification measures. Following a rise in cases involving fake job sponsorships, sham marriages and forged financial documents, both countries will deploy a standardised document-checking system to ensure the authenticity of visa applications.
Nigeria is also expected to review its legal framework on immigration-related offences, with a view to imposing tougher penalties.
The development comes amid ongoing reforms in the UK’s migration policy after the collapse of its controversial arrangement with Rwanda.
The earlier deal, pursued under successive Conservative governments led by Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, sought to relocate asylum seekers to Rwanda for processing and resettlement.
However, the policy faced sustained legal challenges. While the UK High Court initially ruled parts of the scheme lawful, the Court of Appeal and later the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom declared it unlawful, citing concerns over Rwanda’s safety for asylum seekers.
Although the subsequent Safety of Rwanda Act 2024 attempted to override these rulings, the policy was eventually scrapped after the Labour government was elected.
Prime Minister Starmer replaced the Rwanda plan with a new border strategy centred on enforcement, international cooperation and intelligence-led operations — a framework under which the Nigeria-UK agreement now falls.
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