Nigeria and the United Kingdom have signed a new agreement aimed at accelerating the return of Nigerians without legal status in Britain, including failed asylum seekers, visa overstayers and convicted offenders.
The deal was signed during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the UK, with Nigeria’s Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood leading the agreement, according to the UK Home Office.
The key feature of the agreement is Nigeria’s decision to accept alternative identification documents, often referred to as “UK letters,” for individuals who do not possess valid passports.
This is expected to remove a major administrative barrier that has previously slowed deportation processes, enabling UK authorities to carry out returns more swiftly.
UK officials say the deal could have an immediate effect. Government data indicate that about 961 Nigerians have exhausted their asylum appeal rights, while more than 1,100 Nigerian offenders are currently awaiting deportation.
Beyond deportations, the agreement expands cooperation between both countries in tackling organised immigration crime.
Authorities are expected to share intelligence and conduct joint operations targeting networks involved in visa fraud, including fake job sponsorship schemes, sham marriages and forged financial documents.
The partnership will also address online-related crimes such as romance scams, investment fraud and cryptocurrency schemes.
A proposed “fusion cell” model will bring together government agencies, financial institutions, technology firms and telecommunications companies to enhance coordination and speed up enforcement actions.
Tunji-Ojo said Nigeria’s participation reflects its commitment to international obligations and responsible migration management.
“To sustain that relationship, we must be as open and as fair as possible,” he said.
UK Minister for Border Security and Asylum Alex Norris described Nigeria as a key partner, noting that it is the UK’s largest visa market in Africa.
“Anyone who abuses our system, breaks our laws or attempts to circumvent immigration rules will be removed,” he said.
Details of the agreement including its start date, duration and financial terms have not been made public.
It also remains unclear whether the arrangement applies strictly to Nigerian nationals or could extend to other individuals processed through Nigeria.
The deal marks a significant development in UK–Nigeria migration relations, with both countries signalling a stronger commitment to enforcement and cooperation.
It follows previous UK efforts to tighten migration controls, including a controversial 2022 agreement with Rwanda that was later scrapped.
However, analysts note that the real impact of the agreement will depend on how quickly the measures are implemented and how they affect Nigerians currently navigating the UK immigration system.
TNAM
Edited By Egwu Patience Nnennaya.
