Nigeria has agreed to accept failed asylum seekers and illegal migrants from the United Kingdom without requiring passports, following a new bilateral agreement to enhance immigration control and cooperation.
As part of this deal, Nigerian authorities will now accept UK-issued identification letters for undocumented individuals, which will expedite the return process for those without legal rights to stay in Britain.
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The agreement was finalized during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to the UK, which British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called “historic,” marking the first visit by a West African leader in 37 years.
UK Border Security and Asylum Minister Alex Norris emphasized the importance of the partnership with Nigeria in addressing illegal migration, stating that those who misuse the system or violate immigration laws will be promptly deported.
He highlighted that the agreement is part of the UK’s broader strategy to restore order to its border processes and ensure fairness in immigration procedures.
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From Nigeria’s perspective, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo reiterated the country’s dedication to its responsibilities, underscoring the importance of the UK relationship, which should be maintained through transparency and mutual respect.
Tunji-Ojo expressed hope that the agreement will help promote safe and orderly migration and may serve as a model for future international collaborations.
Additionally, both nations have committed to conducting joint operations and improving intelligence sharing to combat organized immigration crimes, such as fake job sponsorships, sham marriages, and forged documents.
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A new standardized document verification system will be implemented to authenticate visa and migration applications, while Nigeria plans to reform its laws to impose stricter penalties for immigration-related offenses.
Officials noted that returns to Nigeria have surged, with around 1,150 recorded annually, and the UK has conducted nearly 60,000 deportations and returns of illegal migrants and foreign criminals since the 2024 general election.
This agreement represents a significant advancement in strengthening diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the UK, while also addressing the rising concerns surrounding illegal migratio n and border security.
