The Federal Government of Nigeria and the United Kingdom have formalised a new immigration cooperation agreement aimed at facilitating the orderly return of Nigerians who no longer have legal rights to remain in the UK, including failed asylum seekers, convicted criminals, and visa overstayers.
The deal was signed during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to the United Kingdom on March 18 and 19. Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, signed on behalf of the country, while the UK’s Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, represented Britain.
Following initial uncertainty over the scope of the agreement, the Presidency, through spokesman Bayo Onanuga, clarified key provisions of the memorandum of understanding (MoU), emphasizing that the deal applies strictly to Nigerian nationals.
Deportation Limited to Nigerians
According to the Presidency, the agreement does not compel Nigeria to accept deportees of other nationalities. Only individuals confirmed to be bona fide Nigerian citizens will be eligible for repatriation under the deal.
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The MoU stipulates that returnees must be treated with dignity and respect, in line with their human rights and fundamental freedoms. It also requires thorough identity verification processes before deportation, including multiple layers of checks to confirm nationality. Where errors occur, affected individuals are to be returned to the UK at the UK’s expense.
Deportees Allowed Personal Belongings
A notable provision in the agreement ensures that deportees are not sent back empty-handed. Returnees will be given adequate time and opportunity to arrange the transfer or disposal of their personal property before departure, under the supervision of Nigerian authorities.
Strict Identification and Documentation Process
The MoU outlines detailed procedures for identification and documentation. Nigerian officials will conduct verification exercises within the UK before deportation, and further checks will be carried out upon arrival in Nigeria.
Returns may be conducted via commercial or specially chartered flights, with the UK required to provide details of each deportee at least five working days before departure.
In terms of documentation, deportees may travel using valid passports. However, the agreement introduces a new provision allowing the use of a UK-issued letter (UKL) as an alternative identification method in cases where biometric or documentary evidence confirms Nigerian nationality.
This marks a shift from Nigeria’s previous reliance on emergency travel documents for undocumented citizens abroad.
Appeals and Human Rights Considerations
The agreement provides room for deportees to challenge their removal under applicable human rights laws. Appeals may be based on factors such as long-term lawful residence in the UK, deep social and cultural integration, or potential difficulties in reintegrating into Nigerian society.
Reintegration Support for Returnees
The MoU also includes provisions for reintegration support in Nigeria. Returnees will have access to short-, medium-, and long-term assistance.
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Short-term support includes airport reception, temporary accommodation, transportation, and basic care packages. Medium-term assistance may involve family reunification, access to documentation, and counselling services where necessary.
For long-term reintegration, returnees may benefit from a Returnee Education and Entrepreneurship Fund, designed to support job placement, vocational training, business start-ups, and further education opportunities.
Duration and Review of Agreement
The immigration cooperation agreement is set to run for an initial period of five years, with an option for renewal upon mutual consent by both countries.
Both Nigeria and the UK are also required to notify each other of any changes to their domestic laws or reintegration support frameworks that may affect the implementation of the agreement.
The deal is seen as a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between both nations while addressing migration management and the welfare of returning citizens.