Nigeria signs deal with UK to deport overstayers, failed asylum seekers, offenders

The governments of Nigeria and the United Kingdom have reached a new agreement that will allow British authorities to return failed asylum seekers and convicted offenders to Nigeria. The deal was signed during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official visit to the UK, which lasted two days.

The agreement was finalised by Nigeria’s Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood. It also covers individuals who have overstayed their visas, giving UK authorities more flexibility in carrying out deportations.

As part of the new arrangement, Nigeria will now accept official letters issued by the UK as valid identification for deportees who do not have passports. This replaces the previous system where emergency travel certificates were required. The change is expected to make the deportation process faster by removing delays linked to documentation.

The agreement comes as the UK continues to deal with issues related to illegal migration and abuse of its visa system. Reports indicate that hundreds of Nigerians who have exhausted their asylum appeals, as well as over a thousand convicted individuals, are currently awaiting deportation from the UK.

Details about when the agreement will begin and how long it will last have not been made public. It is also not clear if the arrangement applies only to Nigerian nationals or includes others.

Both countries have also agreed to work together more closely on tackling organised immigration crime. This includes joint operations and sharing of intelligence to stop networks involved in illegal migration activities such as fake job offers, sham marriages, and false financial documents.

In addition, Nigeria is expected to review its laws on immigration-related offences with the aim of introducing stricter penalties. A joint initiative has also been planned to tackle online crimes like romance scams, investment fraud, and cryptocurrency-related offences.

This plan will involve cooperation between government agencies, financial institutions, telecom companies, and technology firms to respond quickly to criminal activities.

The agreement reflects ongoing efforts by both countries to manage migration, strengthen security cooperation, and address crimes linked to cross-border movement.