The Presidency has dismissed widespread claims that Nigeria has agreed to accept foreign deportees under a newly signed migration agreement with the United Kingdom, clarifying that the deal strictly applies to Nigerian citizens residing illegally in the UK.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, issued the clarification on Friday amid growing public concern and misinformation surrounding the agreement.
According to Ajayi, the pact—signed during the recent state visit of Bola Tinubu—only covers Nigerians who do not have legal status to remain in the UK. The agreement was executed on behalf of Nigeria by Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and by UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.
He stressed that Nigeria is not obligated to receive non-citizens, nor is the UK compelling the country to do so.
“The Nigerian government is not taking back non-Nigerians,” Ajayi stated, adding that the clarification was necessary to counter misleading narratives circulating in the public space.
The Presidency further noted that the agreement ensures that returning Nigerian citizens will be treated with dignity and retain their rights under domestic law. It also allows for the possibility of re-entry into the UK if individuals meet future immigration requirements.
In a separate statement, the Ministry of Interior explained that the arrangement establishes a structured framework for the safe and dignified return of Nigerians without legal residency. This includes secure travel documentation, thorough identity verification on a case-by-case basis, and protections for vulnerable individuals, such as victims of human trafficking.
The deal also outlines broader areas of cooperation between both countries, including information sharing, capacity building, training, and joint research on migration management and border security.
The agreement, signed on Thursday, is part of ongoing efforts by Nigeria and the United Kingdom to strengthen migration control systems and deepen bilateral relations. It enables the UK to return individuals without legal residency status, including failed asylum seekers, visa overstayers, and convicted offenders.
Additionally, the pact introduces administrative measures to streamline deportation processes, including the use of alternative identification documents—referred to as “UK letters”—for individuals without valid passports.
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