By Adesakin Adefemi
The Nigerian Presidency has clarified that a recently signed migration agreement with the United Kingdom only applies to Nigerians residing illegally in the UK. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, stated that the agreement does not involve accepting foreign deportees.
Ajayi explained that the deal, signed by Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, only concerns Nigerians without legal status to live and remain in the UK. “The Nigerian government is not taking back non-Nigerians,” Ajayi said.
The clarification was necessary due to misinformation surrounding the agreement. The deal guarantees dignified treatment for returnees, retention of rights under domestic law, and potential future re-entry to the UK if they meet immigration requirements.
The Ministry of Interior noted that the arrangement provides a framework for return and reintegration of Nigerians without legal residency in the UK. It includes secure travel documentation, identity verification, and safeguards for vulnerable individuals.
The agreement outlines cooperation areas such as information sharing, capacity building, and joint research on migration management. Nigeria signed the deal during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the UK.
The UK can return individuals with no legal right to remain, including failed asylum seekers and foreign national offenders. The deal introduces administrative measures to ease deportation.
The agreement has sparked debate, with some questioning its implications. However, the Nigerian government maintains it’s a necessary step for migration control and bilateral ties.
The deal is part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria-UK relations, with President Tinubu holding talks with UK PM Starmer and witnessing a £746m ports deal signing.
The Nigerian government has assured that the agreement will be implemented with dignity and respect for human rights, addressing concerns raised by various groups.
