The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has revealed that more than 840,000 foreigners are currently residing in Nigeria beyond the validity of their visas, describing the trend as a major migration concern.
Speaking during an appearance on Tuesday on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the minister said the figure put at about 848,290, was generated through the country’s upgraded immigration tracking system.
“Just as we have Nigerian overstayers in the UK, Nigeria is also facing the same challenge… these are citizens of different countries residing in Nigeria,” he said.
Tunji-Ojo noted that irregular migration is a global issue that requires coordinated international responses, stressing that tackling visa overstays would also help reduce crimes such as human trafficking and smuggling.
He emphasised the importance of bilateral agreements between countries, particularly in ensuring the “dignified return” of individuals who no longer have legal status abroad.
Addressing public concerns, the minister dismissed claims that Nigeria could be compelled to accept foreign prisoners under existing agreements.
“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 stated.
He explained that the recently signed migration agreement between Nigeria and the United Kingdom is based on reciprocity and applies strictly to Nigerian nationals who are out of status.
According to him, the Federal Government has been transparent about the arrangement and that it does not include provisions for the transfer of foreign inmates into Nigeria.
The minister further clarified that the agreement differs from the controversial Rwanda asylum model, noting that it excludes family members and treats each case based on specific legal considerations.
He assured that Nigerians returned under the agreement would be treated with dignity and in line with their fundamental human rights.
Meanwhile, Tunji-Ojo disclosed that the Federal Government has strengthened its capacity to track and apprehend visa overstayers through data gathered over the past decade and enhanced operations of the Nigeria Immigration Service’s Integrated Operations Centre and Network Operations Centre.
The development followed a migration pact signed earlier in March during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the United Kingdom, aimed at fast-tracking the return of Nigerian visa overstayers, failed asylum seekers, and convicted offenders, while boosting cooperation in tackling visa fraud, cybercrime, and other transnational offences.
