“Agreement Covers Only Nigerians in UK Illegally” — FG Clarifies Reports on Accepting Foreign Deportees

The Presidency has clarified that Nigeria has not agreed to receive foreign deportees under its recent migration agreement with the United Kingdom, stating that the arrangement applies only to Nigerian citizens residing illegally in the UK.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, said the clarification was necessary following widespread misinformation about the scope of the deal.

Ajayi explained that the agreement, signed during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent state visit to the UK, is limited to the return of Nigerians without legal residency status. He stressed that the pact does not require Nigeria to accept non-citizens.

According to him, the agreement was executed by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of Nigeria, and the UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, representing the British government.

“For clarity, the agreement only relates to Nigerians who do not have legal status to live and remain in the UK,” Ajayi said, adding that both countries are aligned on this position.

He further noted that the UK is not imposing any obligation on Nigeria to accept individuals who are not its nationals.

The Presidency said the clarification followed the circulation of misleading reports suggesting a broader deportation arrangement between both countries.

Ajayi also stated that the agreement includes provisions to ensure the humane treatment of returnees in line with Nigerian laws and international standards. He added that affected individuals would retain the right to reapply for entry into the UK, subject to existing immigration rules.

The Ministry of Interior supported the Presidency’s position, describing the agreement as a framework for the “dignified return and reintegration” of Nigerians without legal status in the UK.

In a separate statement, the ministry outlined key features of the arrangement, including secure travel documentation, case-by-case identity verification, and protections for vulnerable individuals, particularly victims of human trafficking.

It also highlighted plans for increased cooperation between Nigeria and the UK in areas such as information sharing, training, and migration management.

The Federal Government maintained that the agreement represents a lawful and balanced approach to migration, while protecting national sovereignty and the rights of Nigerian citizens.