The Federal Government has clarified the terms of the Nigeria-UK migration agreement, firmly dismissing claims that the country will be forced to accept foreign nationals.
The clarification follows widespread misinformation surrounding the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during President Bola Tinubu’s recent state visit to the United Kingdom.
In a statement issued on Saturday, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said the agreement does not compel Nigeria to admit non-citizens under any circumstance.
No obligation to accept foreigners
According to the Presidency, the migration framework strictly applies to the return of verified nationals of either country. It emphasised that only individuals confirmed through multiple identification processes would be eligible for repatriation.
“Nowhere in the agreement is Nigeria required to admit foreign nationals,” the statement stressed.
The MoU was signed between Nigeria’s Ministry of Interior and the UK Home Office to strengthen cooperation on safe, orderly and regulated migration, while tackling irregular migration and related crimes.
Safeguards and human rights protections
The agreement guarantees that all returns will be conducted in a dignified manner, with full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
It also ensures that individuals with pending legal or human rights claims will have their cases properly reviewed before any action is taken.
In cases of mistaken identity, the requesting country is required to readmit the affected individual at its own cost within a specified timeframe.
Property rights and improved return process
A major highlight of the agreement is the provision allowing returnees to travel with their legally acquired belongings, a shift from past deportation practices.
Returnees will also be given adequate time to arrange the transfer or disposal of their property before departure.
Detailed procedures for repatriation include pre-departure checks, biometric verification, and coordination between both countries using scheduled or chartered flights.
Nigeria retains full control
The Presidency stressed that Nigeria maintains full sovereignty over its immigration processes.
The Nigeria Immigration Service remains solely responsible for issuing travel documents and managing all return procedures, independent of any UK-issued documentation.
Reintegration support for returnees
The agreement also outlines structured reintegration support, including immediate assistance such as reception and accommodation, nedium-term support like access to social services and family reunification, long-term opportunities through education, vocational training and entrepreneurship.
The MoU is valid for an initial five-year period and may be renewed. It builds on previous migration agreements signed between Nigeria and the UK in 2012, 2017 and 2022.
The Federal Government urged media organisations to verify complex policy issues to curb the spread of misinformation.
