Nigeria and the United Kingdom (UK) have signed three major Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at tightening migration control, strengthening border security, and expanding business visa access.
The agreements were announced during the state visit of President Bola Tinubu, signalling a fresh push to deepen bilateral ties between both countries.
According to the Ministry of Interior, the MoUs cover migration partnership, tackling organised immigration crime, and improving visa processes for UK firms operating in Nigeria.
Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said the deals are designed to create a “transparent, rules-based migration system” that is safe and beneficial to both nations. He added that the framework would help curb abuse of legal migration routes while strengthening border control systems.
The agreements were signed alongside UK officials including Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Trade Envoy Florence Eshalomi.
Tunji-Ojo noted that beyond security, the MoUs are expected to boost trade and ease business mobility, aligning with Nigeria’s ambition to build a trillion-dollar economy. He stressed that addressing irregular migration barriers is key to unlocking economic growth.
The deals form part of wider engagements during Tinubu’s visit, which also includes a £746 million financing agreement to modernise key ports in Lagos.
The Lagos Port Complex in Apapa and Tin Can Island Port remain critical to Nigeria’s economy, handling a large share of cargo traffic and supporting customs revenue and trade flows.
Overall, the agreements mark a significant step in Nigeria–UK relations, combining migration governance, security cooperation, and economic development.
