- The Nigerian Presidency has dismissed claims that the UK deportation deal includes non-Nigerians
- The government revealed that the agreement strictly applies to Nigerians without legal residency status in the UK
- Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo described the move as part of Nigeria’s responsibility in global migration governance
The Nigerian Presidency has pushed back against what it describes as widespread misinformation surrounding a newly signed migration agreement between Bola Tinubu and the United Kingdom government.
The agreement, finalised during Tinubu’s recent state visit to the UK, permits British authorities to return individuals who have no legal right to remain in the country. This includes failed asylum seekers and foreign national offenders.
A notable provision in the deal introduces the use of alternative identification documents known as “UK letters.”
These documents can now serve as substitutes for passports, addressing a long-standing administrative hurdle that previously delayed deportation processes.
According to official UK figures, approximately 961 Nigerians have exhausted their asylum appeal options, while an additional 1,110 Nigerian offenders are currently awaiting deportation.
Amid growing public concern, the Presidency clarified that the agreement applies exclusively to Nigerian nationals who lack legal immigration status in the UK. It does not extend to non-Nigerians.
Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, issued the clarification on Friday, March 20, via X, a day after the UK Home Office made the deal public.
“For clarity, it is important to state that the agreement signed by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during the state visit of President Tinubu on behalf of the government of Nigeria and Home Secretary, Rt Hon Shabana Mahmood, on behalf of the UK government, only relates to Nigerians who do not have legal status to live and remain in the UK,” Ajayi said.
He further emphasised that Nigeria would not accept deportees who are not its citizens and dismissed claims suggesting otherwise.
“This clarification becomes necessary because of those who have already revved up their misinformation machinery,” he said.
The Ministry of Interior also reassured the public that all returnees would be treated humanely, with their rights protected under Nigerian law.
It added that deported individuals would remain eligible to re-enter the UK in the future if they meet relevant immigration requirements.
In its statement, the ministry noted, “It also provides detailed arrangements for the dignified return and reintegration of Nigerians who do not have the legal right to remain in the UK. This arrangement includes the use of secured travel documentation, case-by-case identity verification, and safeguards for vulnerable individuals and potential victims of trafficking.”
The agreement further outlines key areas of cooperation between both countries, including information sharing, capacity building, training, and joint research on migration management and border security.
Speaking on the development, Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to global migration standards.