The Federal Government has clarified that the migration agreement signed between Nigeria and the United Kingdom is designed to promote safe and regulated movement of people, while strengthening joint efforts to curb illegal migration.
The Presidency made the clarification in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, following what it described as widespread misinformation surrounding the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
According to the statement, the agreement provides a structured framework to support legal migration and enhance cooperation between both countries in addressing migration-related offences in line with international standards.
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Mr. Onanuga dismissed claims that Nigeria would be compelled to accept foreign nationals, stressing that only verified Nigerian citizens are eligible for repatriation under the arrangement.
“It has become necessary to debunk the raft of misinformation assailing the migration partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, as contained in the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two nations on the sidelines of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s historic state visit to the UK.
“The memorandum on immigration cooperation, like other memoranda signed, aimed to strengthen the partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom,” he said.
He explained that the agreement outlines clear procedures for return, including strict identity verification processes before departure and upon arrival, as well as coordination between relevant authorities in both countries.
“The MoU establishes a framework to facilitate a regulated and safe migration flow between the two countries and to encourage further bilateral cooperation in the fight against irregular migration… in accordance with their respective immigration and citizenship laws and extant international treaties,” Onanuga added.
The Presidency also stated that both countries have agreed to ensure the dignified return of their nationals who no longer have the legal right to remain abroad, with full respect for human rights.
It noted that returnees would be allowed to travel with their legally acquired belongings and would be given sufficient time to make arrangements for their assets before departure.
“Under the agreement, Nigeria and the United Kingdom will work together to secure the dignified return of their nationals… with due regard to their human rights and fundamental freedoms,” he said.
Mr. Onanuga further clarified that Nigeria retains full control over its immigration processes, with the Nigeria Immigration Service solely responsible for issuing travel documents and handling all procedures concerning returnees.
He added that the agreement also provides reintegration support for returnees, including short-term assistance such as accommodation and transport, as well as long-term opportunities through education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship programmes.
Reassuring the public, the Presidency maintained that the agreement is consistent with previous migration arrangements between both countries and urged the media to verify information to avoid misleading reports.
