The Presidency has clarified the Nigeria-UK migration partnership, insisting the agreement does not require Nigeria to accept foreign nationals.
This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday in Lagos, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during President Bola Tinubu’s UK visit.
The Presidency said the MoU on immigration cooperation was designed to strengthen bilateral relations and promote safe, orderly, and regulated migration between Nigeria and the UK.
It explained that the agreement was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Interior and the UK Secretary of State for the Home Department on behalf of both governments.
According to the statement, the framework aims to enhance collaboration in tackling irregular migration and related offences, in line with international treaties, conventions, and existing immigration laws of both countries.
The Presidency stressed that at no point does the 12-page MoU mandate Nigeria to receive non-Nigerian nationals from the UK under any circumstances.
It clarified that all individuals to be repatriated must undergo thorough identification and verification processes to confirm their nationality before any return is effected.
“Nowhere in the 12-page memorandum is Nigeria required to accept foreign nationals other than Nigerians,” Onanuga said.
He added that where errors occur in the identification process, such individuals would be returned to the requesting country at its own cost.
Under the agreement, both countries will ensure the dignified return of their nationals who no longer have the legal right to remain in the other country.
“A clear condition in the MoU is that returnees must be bona fide nationals and treated with dignity, respect, and full regard for their human rights,” Onanuga added.
The Presidency further noted that law enforcement agencies in both countries would collaborate to protect citizens and prevent conflicts arising from migration-related issues.
Onanuga highlighted provisions allowing returnees to travel with their legally acquired personal belongings, a departure from previous practices where deportees often returned with nothing.
“Every returnee will be given ample opportunity to make arrangements for the transfer or disposal of property before departure,” Onanuga quoted from Article 12 of the MoU.
He also noted that individuals facing deportation could lodge appeals based on human rights considerations under relevant domestic and international laws.
Such appeals, he said, may include cases where individuals have lived most of their lives in the host country or face serious reintegration challenges in their country of origin.
On return procedures, the Presidency said identification checks would be conducted before departure and upon arrival, with both countries coordinating all repatriation processes.
“A return may be conducted using scheduled or specially chartered flights, with full details provided at least five working days before departure,” Onanuga said.
The MoU also allows expedited processes using biometric verification or official documentation, including passports and national identity cards, where available.
It maintained that Nigeria retains full authority over the issuance of its travel documents through the Nigeria Immigration Service, independent of any UK documentation process.
The Presidency said returnees would also benefit from structured reintegration support, including temporary accommodation, transportation, and basic welfare assistance upon arrival.
“Returnees may also access a Returnee Education and Entrepreneurship Fund to support sustainable reintegration into society,” Onanuga explained.
The agreement, similar to previous arrangements signed in 2012, 2017, and 2022, will run for an initial period of five years, subject to renewal upon mutual consent.
The Presidency urged media organisations to verify information before publication to avoid misleading the public on sensitive national issues.
