The Nigerian government has signed a deal with the United Kingdom to receive deported failed asylum seekers and convicted criminals, as both countries deepen cooperation on migration control and security.
The agreement was signed by Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of the Interior, and Shabana Mahmood, Home Secretary, during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the UK, the Home Office announced on Thursday, March 19.
The new deal will also allow Britain to send visa overstayers to Nigeria, and it comes with wide flexibility for the UK.
According to the deal, the Nigerian government will recognise UK letters – an identification document issued to individuals without a valid passport – so people will no longer have to wait for emergency travel documents to be issued before they can be returned.
The agreement was struck during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to the UK.
Speaking on the deal, Border Security and Asylum Minister, Alex Norris, who signed on behalf of Britain, 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 his part, Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said: “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.”