Nigeria-UK Deal Excludes Foreign Nationals–Presidency

The Presidency has clarified that the recent Nigeria-UK migration partnership does not obligate Nigeria to accept foreign nationals under any circumstances.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Lagos, Presidential Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, explained that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during President Bola Tinubu’s UK visit is designed to strengthen bilateral relations and promote safe, orderly, and regulated migration between the two countries.

The MoU, signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Interior and the UK Secretary of State for the Home Department, provides a framework for collaboration in tackling irregular migration and related offences, in line with international treaties and domestic immigration laws.

Onanuga stressed that “nowhere in the 12-page memorandum is Nigeria required to accept foreign nationals other than Nigerians.” He added that all individuals to be repatriated will undergo thorough identification and verification to confirm nationality, and any errors would result in return at the requesting country’s cost.

The agreement ensures that returnees are treated with dignity, respect, and full regard for their human rights. Returnees may also travel with legally acquired personal belongings and can appeal deportation decisions based on human rights considerations, such as long-term residence in the host country or reintegration challenges.

Repatriation processes will be carefully coordinated between both countries, including identification checks before departure and upon arrival. Returnees may travel via scheduled or specially chartered flights, and the MoU allows expedited procedures using biometric verification or official documentation, including passports and national identity cards.

The Presidency also highlighted reintegration support for returnees, which includes temporary accommodation, transportation, basic welfare assistance, and access to a Returnee Education and Entrepreneurship Fund to aid sustainable reintegration into society.

Similar to previous agreements signed in 2012, 2017, and 2022, the MoU will run for an initial five-year period, subject to renewal by mutual consent.

The Presidency urged media organisations to verify information before publication to prevent the spread of misleading reports on sensitive national issues.