Nigeria has signed a new agreement with the United Kingdom that allows British authorities to return failed asylum seekers, visa overstayers, and convicted offenders to the country more swiftly.
The deal was finalised during President Bola Tinubu’s official visit to Britain, with Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood signing on behalf of both nations, according to a statement issued by the UK Home Office on Thursday, March 19.
Under the arrangement, British authorities are now permitted to repatriate individuals who have exhausted their asylum claims or violated immigration rules.
The agreement also introduces a significant shift in documentation requirements, as Nigeria will now accept UK-issued identification letters for deportees who do not possess valid passports.
Previously, the process relied on emergency travel certificates, often causing delays. The Home Office said recognising these UK-issued documents removes a longstanding administrative hurdle that slowed deportations.
However, details such as when the agreement will take effect, how long it will last, and whether any financial terms are involved have not been made public.
It also remains unclear whether the policy will apply strictly to Nigerian nationals or extend to others.
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Reports indicate that 961 Nigerians in the UK have already exhausted their asylum appeals, while another 1,110 nationals convicted of crimes are awaiting deportation.
Both groups are now likely to face faster removal under the new framework.
Tunji-Ojo said Nigeria’s signatory to the deal shows that “we are totally committed to being a responsible country in fulfilling our core obligations”.
“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,” the minister said.
Alex Norris, the UK minister for border security and asylum, described Nigeria as a key partner in tackling irregular migration.
“We owe everyone across the system fairness,” Norris said, adding that “anyone who abuses our systems, breaks our laws or tries to cheat their way into Britain will be stopped and removed”.
Both countries also agreed to strengthen collaboration through intelligence sharing and joint enforcement operations aimed at tackling criminal networks involved in visa fraud, sham marriages, and falsified documentation.
Nigeria is expected to review its immigration laws to impose tougher penalties, while a new joint initiative will target online fraud, including romance scams and cryptocurrency-related crimes.