The Federal Government has firmly rejected claims that foreign prisoners will be transferred to Nigeria under the Nigeria–United Kingdom migration agreement, with the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, assuring that the deal is strictly limited to Nigerian nationals and designed to protect the country’s sovereignty.
Speaking on the agreement signed during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to the United Kingdom, Tunji-Ojo dismissed widespread reports suggesting that the UK plans to deport its prisoners to Nigeria.
“I have seen reports suggesting that prisoners would be brought into Nigeria. This government will not tolerate such. There is no way this administration will sign that kind of agreement,” he said.
He explained that the migration arrangement is built on reciprocity and applies only to Nigerians who have breached immigration rules in the UK, particularly visa overstayers and individuals involved in immigration-related offences.
Clarifying further, the minister stressed that the agreement does not in any way compromise Nigeria’s integrity or expose the country to external burdens.
“No Nigerian stands to lose from the agreement,” he stated, adding that those returned would be reintegrated in line with international human rights standards.
Tunji-Ojo also revealed that the Federal Government has significantly upgraded its migration management systems, enabling authorities to better track visa overstayers and enforce compliance. He noted that the strengthened capacity of the Nigeria Immigration Service now allows for more accurate data collection, monitoring, and response to migration-related issues.
According to him, the agreement is part of broader efforts to deepen bilateral ties between Nigeria and the UK, especially in tackling transnational crimes such as visa fraud, identity theft, cybercrime, and human trafficking.
He added that enhanced intelligence sharing and cooperation between both countries would help curb illegal migration networks and protect law-abiding citizens.
The minister further emphasized that the deal aligns with global best practices, where countries collaborate to manage migration effectively while respecting the rights of their citizens.
The agreement, signed under the administration of President Tinubu, is also expected to streamline the return process for Nigerians who violate immigration laws abroad, reducing prolonged detention periods and ensuring quicker, more humane repatriation.
Despite the government’s assurances, the development has sparked mixed reactions among Nigerians, with some expressing concerns over transparency, while others view the agreement as a necessary step toward strengthening international cooperation and addressing irregular migration.