The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has dismissed claims that Nigeria’s recent migration agreement with the United Kingdom includes provisions for relocating foreign criminals to the country.
The agreement, signed during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the United Kingdom, is aimed at strengthening cooperation on migration management, border security, and economic relations between both nations.
The deal, however, sparked public concern following reports suggesting it could permit the transfer of offenders from the UK to Nigeria.
Speaking on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television, Tunji-Ojo clarified that the agreement strictly covers the return of Nigerian nationals residing illegally in the UK.
Citing provisions of the pact, the minister explained that both countries agreed to facilitate the safe and dignified return of their citizens who no longer have legal rights to remain in either country.
He insisted that the Federal Government would not enter into any arrangement that allows the relocation of foreign criminals into Nigeria, describing such claims as baseless.
According to him, the agreement poses no threat to national security, as it is built on mutual responsibilities and respect for the rights of affected individuals.
Tunji-Ojo further noted that irregular migration remains a global challenge requiring collective action, adding that the partnership with the UK is part of broader efforts to address the issue.
He also assured Nigerians of transparency in the agreement, stating that its key provisions had already been made public by the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.
The minister added that safeguards had been included to ensure that returnees are treated with dignity and in line with established human rights standards, describing the pact as balanced and reciprocal.
