The Federal Government has dismissed widespread claims surrounding its recent migration agreement with the United Kingdom, clarifying that Nigeria is under no obligation to accept non-citizens under the deal.
In a State House press statement issued on Saturday, the Presidency said misinformation had trailed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to the UK.
According to the statement the agreement, signed between Nigeria’s Minister of Interior and the UK Home Secretary, is strictly aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation on migration management.
He emphasized that the MoU provides a framework for “safe, orderly, and regular migration” while addressing irregular migration and related offenses in line with both countries’ laws and international obligations.
“Nowhere in the 12-page memorandum is Nigeria required to accept foreign nationals other than Nigerians,” the statement said.
According to the Presidency, any individual to be repatriated must undergo thorough identification and verification processes to confirm their nationality. In cases of error, such individuals would be returned to the requesting country at its own expense.
The agreement also ensures that citizens of both countries who no longer have the legal right to remain abroad can be returned in a “safe and dignified manner,” with full respect for their human rights.
The statement further outlined that returnees would be allowed to travel with their personal belongings and given adequate time to manage their assets before departure—an improvement on previous arrangements.
Additionally, provisions in the MoU allow affected individuals to appeal deportation decisions, especially in cases involving long-term residency, cultural integration, or potential reintegration challenges in their home country.
On operational procedures, the government noted that returns would only occur after proper identification checks, including biometric verification where applicable. Nigeria also retains exclusive authority to issue travel documentation for its citizens through the Nigeria Immigration Service.
The MoU includes reintegration support for returnees, ranging from immediate assistance such as accommodation and transportation to long-term opportunities like vocational training, business support, and access to education funds.
The agreement, similar to previous migration arrangements between both countries in 2012, 2017, and 2022, will run for an initial period of five years, subject to renewal.
The Presidency urged media organisations to verify information before publication to prevent misleading the public on sensitive national matters.