FG Clarifies UK Migration Deal, Says Nigeria Will Not Accept Foreign Deportees

Photo credit: TVC news

The Presidency of Nigeria has dismissed reports suggesting that the country has agreed to accept foreign deportees under a new migration arrangement with the United Kingdom, stating that the agreement applies only to Nigerian citizens residing illegally in the UK.

The clarification was provided by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, who described the claims as misleading.

According to him, the agreement which was signed during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent state visit, strictly covers Nigerians without legal residency status in the UK.

“For clarity, the deal only relates to Nigerians who do not have legal status to live and remain in the UK,” Ajayi stated, adding that Nigeria has no obligation to accept non-citizens.

He emphasised that the UK government is not compelling Nigeria to take in individuals who are not Nigerians.

The agreement was signed by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, and is focused on the return of undocumented Nigerian nationals.

Ajayi noted that the arrangement includes provisions to ensure the humane treatment of returnees in line with both Nigerian laws and international standards. He also said affected individuals would still be eligible to reapply for entry into the UK if they meet immigration requirements.

Supporting the Presidency’s position, the Ministry of Interior said the agreement establishes a structured framework for the dignified return and reintegration of Nigerians without legal status abroad.

The ministry added that the deal includes measures such as proper identity verification, secure travel documentation, and protections for vulnerable individuals, including victims of human trafficking.

It also enhanced cooperation between both countries in areas such as information sharing, capacity building, and migration management.

The Federal Government maintained that the agreement reflects a balanced and lawful approach to migration while preserving Nigeria’s sovereignty, stressing that reports suggesting a broader deportation arrangement are inaccurate.