Nigeria has agreed to a new deal with the United Kingdom that will allow Britain to deport thousands of failed asylum seekers, criminals, and visa overstayers to the West African nation.
The agreement was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood during President Bola Tinubu’s two-day state visit to the UK, The Cable newspaper has reported.
According to the Home Office, under the deal, Nigeria will, for the first time, accept UK-issued letters an alternative identification certificate for individuals without a valid passport making it easier for Britain to return undocumented Nigerians. Previously, Nigeria relied solely on emergency travel documents for deportees.
The agreement also allows for broad flexibility in deportations, though details such as the start date, duration, or potential financial incentives were not disclosed. It remains unclear whether deportees will be limited to Nigerians or include other nationalities.
Tunji-Ojo described the deal as a sign of Nigeria’s commitment to being “a responsible country in fulfilling our core obligations” and emphasized fairness and transparency in cooperation with the UK.
UK Minister for Border Security and Asylum Alex Norris said Nigeria is a key partner in tackling illegal migration, noting that the UK will act against anyone who abuses its immigration system.
The agreement also includes provisions for joint operations and information-sharing on criminal gangs exploiting visa routes, the Home Office said.
Currently, 961 Nigerians in the UK have exhausted all appeals for asylum, while 1,110 foreign national offenders from Nigeria are awaiting deportation. Both groups are expected to be returned more quickly under the new arrangement.
(Western Post)
