The Presidency has responded to claims about a newly signed migration agreement with the United Kingdom, clarifying that it applies only to Nigerians living illegally in the UK.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, said the clarification was necessary following reports alleging that Nigeria had agreed to receive deported foreign nationals.
In a statement posted on X on Friday, Ajayi explained that the agreement only concerns Nigerians who lack legal status to live and remain in the UK.
He said: “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 Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on behalf of the Government of Nigeria, and the UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, only relates to Nigerians who do not have legal status to live and remain in the UK.
“The Nigerian government is not taking back non-Nigerians. The UK government is not compelling Nigeria to take those who are not our citizens. This clarification becomes necessary because of those who have already revved up their misinformation machinery.”
Temitope Ajayi added that the agreement ensures Nigerian returnees are treated with dignity, enjoy their rights under local laws, and may be eligible to re-enter the UK in the future if they meet immigration requirements.
In a separate statement, the Ministry of Interior Nigeria said the deal establishes a framework for the safe and dignified return and reintegration of Nigerians without legal status in the UK.
The ministry explained that the arrangement includes secure travel documents, individual identity verification, and protections for vulnerable persons, including possible victims of trafficking.
It also covers collaboration in areas such as information exchange, capacity development, training, and joint research on migration management and border security.
Recall that Nigeria on Thursday signed the agreement with the United Kingdom to enable the return of failed asylum seekers, visa overstayers, and convicted individuals, as part of efforts to strengthen migration control and bilateral relations.