By Michael Obianyo
The United Kingdom and Nigeria have signed a new agreement enabling British authorities to deport failed asylum seekers, visa overstayers and convicted offenders to Nigeria.
The agreement was signed by Nigeria’s Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to the UK, according to the Home Office.
Under the arrangement, Nigeria will accept deportees using “UK letters” — alternative identification documents issued to migrants without valid passports — a move British officials say will remove longstanding administrative barriers that delayed deportations.
Officials disclosed that about 961 Nigerian failed asylum seekers who have exhausted their appeals, as well as 1,110 Nigerian foreign national offenders awaiting removal, are expected to be affected by the deal.
Both countries also agreed to deepen collaboration in tackling immigration fraud and criminal networks exploiting visa systems through joint operations and intelligence sharing.
Tunji-Ojo said Nigeria’s participation reflects its commitment to meeting international obligations, while UK authorities noted that the agreement would strengthen efforts to curb illegal migration and ensure enforcement of immigration laws.
