United Kingdom and Nigeria have unveiled a three-year strategic plan aimed at strengthening cooperation against organised immigration crime and enhancing border security, officials announced on Thursday.
The initiative, agreed during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the UK, also seeks to expand the legal framework for prosecuting offenders and tighten regulations on travel and visa documentation.
“We, the undersigned, announce our intention to expand cooperation to reduce organised immigration crime and the risks associated with it,” the joint statement from the UK Home Office and Nigeria’s Ministry of Interior read, highlighting that migration and border control are “matters of significant importance” to both nations.
The agreement, signed by UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Nigeria’s Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, provided a framework for tackling visa abuse, improving operational collaboration, and strengthening legal systems.
Under the plan, Nigeria would review its legal framework to impose stricter penalties for immigration-related offences, particularly those involving falsified documents.
Both nations also pledged to broaden the legal basis for prosecution and improve travel and visa verification processes.
The UK–Nigeria Organised Immigration Crime Unit will be reinforced through new Memoranda of Understanding focusing on operational engagement and data sharing.
Additionally, the UK would support Nigeria with training and capacity-building initiatives for border security agencies.
Both countries committed to safeguarding vulnerable migrants, with special attention to women and children.
The statement noted that the plan includes enhanced research, improved document verification systems, and regular monitoring through the UK–Nigeria Migration, Justice and Home Affairs Dialogue.
The officials described the partnership as a reflection of shared commitments to citizen protection and robust border systems based on “partnership, mutual support, and shared understanding.”
This agreement was part of a broader series of high-level engagements during President Tinubu’s visit, hosted by King Charles III, aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation across security, migration, and economic development.
The visit also featured ceremonial honours, a state banquet, and strategic meetings with UK officials.
Among other outcomes of the visit was a £746 million financing deal to modernize Nigeria’s busiest seaports, including Apapa and Tin Can Island Port, further supporting the Federal Government’s economic and trade ambitions.
Interior Minister Tunji-Ojo emphasised that the MoUs are designed not only to combat immigration crime but also to enhance trade and facilitate smoother business mobility.
