Nigeria and the United Kingdom have entered into three fresh Memoranda of Understanding aimed at deepening ties between both countries.
The agreements focus on migration partnership, tackling organised immigration crime and strengthening border security, as well as expanding business visa access for UK firms operating in Nigeria.
Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, endorsed two of the agreements on Wednesday the 18th of March, 2026, and completed the third on Thursday the 19th of March, during official engagements in the UK.
Details of the development were contained in a statement released in Abuja on Thursday, by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Babatunde Alao.
Tunji-Ojo said the deals signal Nigeria’s resolve to run a migration system that is open, structured and consistent with both national priorities and global standards.
He noted that both countries are working towards a system that guarantees safety, order and shared benefits.
He said attention in the coming year would centre on practical results and proper execution, adding that the framework could shape future collaborations between Nigeria and other partners.
The minister also recognised what he described as a strong and commendable working relationship with the UK Home Office in Nigeria.
“This relationship with the UK means a lot to us and you can see the level of commitment that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has put in,” Tunji-Ojo said.
He stressed that Nigeria would continue to safeguard its citizens while taking firm action against individuals who misuse legal migration channels or engage in unlawful acts.
Speaking on the agreement tied to business visas, Tunji-Ojo said ongoing reforms under President Tinubu position the visa system as a driver of economic growth.
“Regarding visa agreement, personally as the Minister of Interior, I can tell you that I am very happy with this, because for us, this is what we have been looking forward to,” he said.
He maintained that removing obstacles such as irregular migration is key to Nigeria’s ambition of building a trillion-dollar economy.
“I want to assure you on behalf of Mr President and the great people of Nigeria, that we are open for endless possibilities of growth and socio-economic development.
“So be rest assured that we will be true to this, we will swing into action and ensure all barriers are removed,” he added.
UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, described Nigeria as a leading partner in bilateral engagements.
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“We are obviously always having bilateral discussions with other countries, however, you will always be number one because you are the first to have gotten such an extensive agreement and we really do appreciate it.
“I think we both understand one another and I think we have a shared vision here for the work that our countries can do together and I really do appreciate it,” the home secretary said.
Also speaking, UK Trade Envoy Florence Eshalomi said the business visa expansion offers clear gains for both nations.
She said the move marks a decisive step that will support economic growth in Nigeria.
The migration partnership agreement sets out a broad structure to promote safe and regulated movement between both countries, while respecting domestic laws, global commitments and human rights.
The cooperation deal on organised immigration crime and border security outlines a three-year plan between the UK Home Office and Nigeria’s Ministry of Interior to tackle networks involved in illegal migration.
The business visa agreement introduces an expanded scheme for UK-based companies with verified interests in Nigeria, making travel easier for legitimate business operators and aligning with similar arrangements already in place for Nigerian firms in the UK.