Nigeria Not Obliged To Accept Foreigners Under UK Migration Deal — Presidency

The Presidency has moved to dispel what it described as widespread misinformation surrounding the migration partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, insisting that the agreement does not compel Nigeria to accept foreign nationals.

In a statement issued on March 22, 2026, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, clarified that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during the state visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the United Kingdom strictly applies to the return of verified nationals of either country.

According to the statement, the agreement—signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Interior and the UK’s Home Secretary—seeks to strengthen bilateral cooperation on migration management, promote safe and orderly migration, and curb irregular migration.

The Presidency stressed that at no point does the 12-page document mandate Nigeria to receive non-Nigerians. It noted that any individual to be repatriated must undergo rigorous identification and verification processes. Where errors occur, such individuals are to be returned to the requesting country at its own expense.

The MoU provides that both countries will facilitate the dignified return of their citizens who no longer have the legal right to remain in the other country, with full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

It also outlines safeguards for returnees, including the right to carry personal belongings and sufficient time to arrange the transfer or disposal of assets before departure.

Under Article 9, detailed procedures for repatriation are stipulated. These include advance notification of return flights, biometric verification, and the use of valid travel documents or a UK Letter where applicable. Nigerian authorities retain exclusive responsibility for issuing travel documentation through the Nigeria Immigration Service.

The agreement further provides that where there is doubt about a returnee’s nationality, removal will be delayed until clarification is achieved. If a person is wrongly repatriated, the requesting country is obligated to take the individual back within a specified timeframe and at its own cost.

The MoU also allows individuals facing deportation to pursue legal claims, particularly in cases involving long-term residency or potential reintegration challenges in their country of origin.

On reintegration, the agreement outlines support measures ranging from immediate assistance on arrival to longer-term opportunities such as access to education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship funding.

The Presidency noted that the current MoU follows similar agreements signed in 2012, 2017 and 2022, and will run for an initial period of five years, subject to renewal.

It urged media organisations to seek clarification on complex issues to prevent the spread of misinformation.