The Presidency has addressed claims surrounding a recently signed migration agreement with the United Kingdom, stressing that the deal applies strictly to Nigerians residing illegally in the UK.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, said the clarification became necessary following reports suggesting Nigeria had agreed to accept foreign deportees.
In a statement on X today, Ajayi explained that the agreement only concerns Nigerians who lack legal status to live and remain in the UK.
Ajayi said the agreement guarantees that returnees who are Nigerian citizens will be treated with dignity, retain their rights under domestic law, and may re-enter the UK in the future if they meet applicable immigration requirements.
The agreement signed by the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo on behalf of the government of Nigeria and Home Secretary, Rt Hon Shabana Mahmood on behalf of the UK government, guarantees that returnees will be treated with dignity, rights retention under domestic law,… pic.twitter.com/C5nGeMI4od
— Ministry of Interior (@MinOfInteriorNG) March 20, 2026
The Ministry of Interior, in a separate statement, noted that the arrangement provides a framework for the dignified return and reintegration of Nigerians without legal residency in the UK.
According to the ministry, the deal includes the use of secure travel documentation, case-by-case identity verification, and safeguards for vulnerable individuals, including potential victims of trafficking.
Recall that Nigeria on Thursday signed an agreement with the UK to facilitate the return of failed asylum seekers, visa overstayers, and convicted offenders, as part of efforts to strengthen migration control and bilateral ties.
