The Nigerian presidency has stated that the country is not obligated to accept foreign nationals under the recent migration agreement signed with the United Kingdom.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga dismissed widespread claims suggesting that irregular migrants from other countries in the UK could be deported to Nigeria, describing such reports as misleading.
He explained that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) reached during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit was strictly focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation on migration between both countries.
According to Onanuga, the agreement clearly states that Nigeria will only receive its own citizens who do not have legal rights to remain in the UK.
He emphasised that no provision in the document compels Nigeria to accept non-Nigerians.
The MoU, signed by Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, establishes a framework to promote safe, orderly, and legal migration while enhancing cooperation in tackling irregular migration.
It also outlined procedures for repatriation, including thorough identity verification processes. Authorities noted that in cases of mistaken identity, affected individuals would be returned to the requesting country at its own expense.
Onanuga further assured that all returnees would be treated in line with international human rights standards, with dignity and respect guaranteed throughout the process.
The agreement provides that migrants being returned can take their legally acquired belongings and will be given sufficient time to arrange their affairs before departure.
Additional details of the pact highlight measures such as secure travel documentation, case-by-case verification, and protections for vulnerable individuals, including potential victims of human trafficking.
Another presidential aide, Temitope Ajayi, reiterated that the agreement applies solely to Nigerian citizens without legal residency status in the UK, stressing that Nigeria is not being compelled to accept foreign nationals.
The presidency maintained that the deal is designed to improve migration management, support bilateral relations, and ensure proper reintegration of returning citizens, while also boosting cooperation in areas such as border security, training, and information sharing.
