Nigeria and the United Kingdom have signed a new agreement allowing British authorities to deport failed asylum seekers, visa overstayers, and criminal offenders to Nigeria.

 

The deal was formalized during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to the UK, with Nigeria’s Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood signing the arrangement, the UK Home Office confirmed.

 

Under the agreement, Nigeria will accept deportees using “UK letters,” alternative identification documents issued to migrants who lack valid passports. British officials said this provision removes an administrative hurdle that had previously delayed deportations.

 

Approximately 961 Nigerian failed asylum seekers who have exhausted all appeals, along with 1,110 Nigerian foreign national offenders awaiting removal, are expected to be affected by the arrangement.

 

The two countries also pledged to strengthen collaboration against immigration fraud and criminal networks exploiting visa systems through joint operations and intelligence sharing.

 

Tunji-Ojo emphasized that Nigeria’s participation demonstrates its commitment to meeting international obligations. UK officials noted that the partnership would help tackle illegal migration and ensure that those who violate immigration laws are removed efficiently.

 

The agreement represents a significant step in bilateral cooperation on migration and security, with both nations aiming to streamline deportation procedures while combating criminal networks operating across borders.