Nigeria and the United Kingdom have signed a new agreement aimed at “speeding up” the return of Nigerian nationals with “no legal right” to remain in Britain, including visa overstayers, and failed asylum seekers, whom the UK government refers to as “foreign offenders”.
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The deal was reached during the two-day state visit of President Bola Tinubu to the UK, with both countries committing to strengthen cooperation on migration management and border control.
The arrangement was finalised between the UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, and Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Under the agreement, the UK will, for the first time, be able to return affected individuals using “UK letters,” an alternative identification document issued to those without valid passports, after the Nigerian government agreed to recognise them, according to the Home Office.
“Visa overstayers, foreign criminals and failed asylum seekers will be removed from British soil far more easily under a new agreement struck this week during the state visit of Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu.
“UK letters, an alternative identification document issued to individuals without a valid passport and used to support the return of people with no right to remain in the UK, will be recognised by the Nigerian government for the first time.
“The agreement, reached between the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, and Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, removes one of the major administrative hurdles to returning people, meaning the UK will no longer have to wait for emergency travel documents to be issued by Nigeria,” the statement by the Home Office read partly.
UK Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Alex Norris, said the agreement reinforced efforts to tackle illegal migration.
“Anyone who abuses our systems, breaks our laws, or tries to cheat their way into Britain will be stopped and removed.
“Today’s agreement is another step in our mission to restore order to the border by ensuring those who have no right to be here are swiftly removed,” he was quoted as saying.
Migration Commitment
Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to responsible migration practices, noting that the agreement reflects the country’s willingness to meet its international obligations.
“For us, as a country, we keep saying that we are totally committed to being a responsible country in fulfilling our core obligations. It is good that we are starting this with the UK.
“This relationship with the UK means a lot to Nigeria. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown great commitment to this. So it is one relationship that we aim to be able to sustain for generations yet to come.
“And for us to sustain that relationship, we must remember: ‘He who comes to equity must come with clean hands.’ So we need to be as open and as fair as possible. Hopefully, this strengthened partnership will be a template for other bilateral understandings,” the minister was quoted as saying in the statement.
The Home Office further explained that the agreement forms part of reforms by the UK government to tighten immigration controls.
It also disclosed that annual returns to Nigeria had nearly doubled to 1,150, while overall deportations and removals from the UK had reached nearly 60,000 since the 2024 general election.
Both countries also agreed to deepen collaboration in tackling immigration-related crimes.
“Following a series of high‑profile cases involving fake job sponsorships, sham marriages, and forged financial or employment records, a new standardised document‑checking system will verify the authenticity of applications. Nigeria will also review its laws to tackle immigration crime, ensuring the toughest possible sentences are handed down to offenders.
“The UK has strengthened its commitment to protecting Nigerian women and children at risk of exploitation, while improving business visa schemes to help UK and Nigerian companies pursue investment opportunities aimed at driving economic growth,” the Home Office stated.
In addition, the partnership will address financial and cyber crimes, including romance fraud, investment scams, and cryptocurrency-related offences.
State Visit
During the state visit, President Tinubu also held bilateral talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Downing Street, where both countries agreed on a £746 million deal to refurbish two major ports in Lagos.
Describing the visit as “very thrilling and significant”, Tinubu said it marked a new chapter in strengthening ties between Nigeria and the UK.
“We cannot forget the institutional development we have enjoyed over the years,” he said, adding that discussions covered trade, the economy, climate change, terrorism, and other global challenges.
At Windsor Castle, the President and First Lady were received by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, where he highlighted the enduring relationship between both nations.
“Our two nations share a vision of progress and resilience. Today, we continue that journey, committed to building a future rooted in partnership, mutual respect, and common values,” he said.
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