The Canadian Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) has rejected 1,596 asylum applications from Nigerian nationals so far this year, according to newly released data updated as of August 21, 2025.

 

Despite the high number of rejections, the data shows a 65% approval rate, with 2,292 claims granted out of 3,548 total Nigerian applications—an increase in acceptance compared to previous years.

 

Nigeria remains one of the top countries of origin for asylum seekers in Canada, alongside Mexico, India, Haiti, Colombia, and Afghanistan. Analysts say the continued wave of asylum claims is driven by persistent insecurity, including Boko Haram violence, and economic instability back home.

While approval rates are up, the number of rejected Nigerian claims in 2025 has nearly doubled compared to the previous year. In 2024, 811 Nigerian applications were denied, while 2,230 were approved.

 

In total, more than 13,000 Nigerian asylum claims have been rejected between 2013 and 2024, with the peak occurring in 2019, when nearly 4,000 applications were denied.

 

Despite this, over 10,580 Nigerian nationals have been granted asylum in Canada over the past decade.

Canada grants refugee protection under criteria defined by the United Nations Refugee Convention, which includes:

• Risk of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a vulnerable social group (e.g., women, LGBTQ persons, or people living with HIV/AIDS).

• Risk of torture, threats to life, or inhuman or degrading treatment upon return to their home country.

 

Applicants must present credible documentation and well-founded fears to qualify.

 

Provinces like Ontario and Alberta currently host the largest populations of Nigerian asylum seekers. The trend reflects both the growing Nigerian diaspora and the perception of Canada as a welcoming destination for refugees.

 

However, experts warn that irregular migration tactics may undermine otherwise valid claims.

Imaobong Ladipo-Sanusi, Executive Director of the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF), says many Nigerian applicants are unaware of the legal frameworks governing asylum.

 

“Most times, people don’t fully understand the laws governing refugee status in their chosen destination,” she said. “Documentation is crucial, because entering irregularly increases the chances of rejection.”

 

She added:

 

“Migration must be safe, orderly and regular. But those who truly need protection should be protected, regardless of status.”

 

Nigeria Ranks 8th in Global Asylum Approvals

 

Nigeria currently ranks 8th among countries whose nationals have received asylum in Canada this year, trailing behind Turkiye, Mexico, Colombia, Iran, Pakistan, Haiti, and Afghanistan.

 

With the number of Nigerian applications rising steadily, immigration experts are urging both aspiring migrants and local support organizations to improve access to legal resources, documentation, and accurate information about Canada’s refugee process.