Nigeria Not Obligated to Receive Foreign Migrants Under UK Deal — Presidency Clarifies

T The State House Nigeria has issued a strong clarification on the migration agreement between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, insisting that the deal does not require Nigeria to accept non-citizens.

In a statement released on March 21, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said the agreement—signed during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to the UK—has been misinterpreted by sections of the public and media.

“It has become necessary to debunk the raft of misinformation assailing the migration partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom,” Onanuga stated.

He explained that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was designed to promote safe, orderly, and legal migration, while strengthening cooperation between both countries in tackling irregular migration.

According to the presidency, the agreement strictly covers the return of verified nationals and includes safeguards to prevent wrongful deportation.

“Nowhere in the 12-page memorandum is Nigeria required to accept foreign nationals other than Nigerians,” the statement emphasised.

The government added that returnees must pass multiple identification and verification checks, and any individual wrongly repatriated would be returned to the requesting country at its expense.

It further stressed that both countries are bound to ensure humane treatment of returnees, in line with international standards.

“The returnees concerned are bona fide nationals of the country and are treated with dignity and respect, with due regard to their human rights and fundamental freedoms.”

The presidency also highlighted that migrants facing deportation have the right to appeal, particularly in cases involving long-term residency or potential hardship upon return.

Additionally, the agreement guarantees that returnees can travel with their belongings and make prior arrangements regarding their assets.

“Every returnee will be given ample opportunity to make adequate arrangements for the transfer or disposal of his property,” the statement noted.

On immigration control, the government reaffirmed Nigeria’s sovereignty, noting that all documentation for returnees remains under the authority of the Nigeria Immigration Service.

“It shall be the sole responsibility of the Nigeria Immigration Service to issue and handle any Nigerian documentation,” Onanuga added.

The MoU also outlines reintegration support for returnees, including immediate assistance on arrival and longer-term opportunities such as access to education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship funding.

The agreement will last for five years in the first instance, with provisions for renewal, similar to earlier migration deals between both countries.

While calling for calm, the presidency urged journalists and the public to verify information before drawing conclusions.

“Media organisations should seek clarification when uncertain about any issue to avoid misinforming the public,” the statement concluded.