Amanze Chinonye
The Presidency has dismissed widespread claims surrounding Nigeria’s migration partnership with the United Kingdom, clarifying that the agreement does not compel Nigeria to accept foreign nationals from the UK, Prime Business Africa reports.
In a statement issued on Saturday by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the State House said the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent state visit to the United Kingdom has been misrepresented in public discourse.
According to the Presidency, the migration agreement is designed to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and the UK, particularly in promoting safe, orderly, and legal migration, while addressing irregular migration.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe statement explained that the MoU, signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Interior and the UK’s Secretary of State for the Home Department, establishes a structured framework for the return of nationals who no longer have the legal right to remain in either country.
It stressed that only verified citizens of either country are eligible for repatriation under the agreement. “Nowhere in the 12-page memorandum is Nigeria required to accept foreign nationals other than Nigerians,” the statement said.
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The Presidency added that returnees must undergo multiple layers of identification and verification before repatriation. In cases of error, the individual will be returned to the requesting country at its own expense.
Under the agreement, both countries are expected to ensure that returnees are treated with dignity and respect, in line with international human rights standards. It also provides that migrants being returned will have the opportunity to arrange the transfer or disposal of their personal property before departure an improvement from past practices where deportees often lost their belongings.
The MoU further outlines procedures for repatriation, including the use of valid travel documents or, in some cases, a UK-issued letter supported by biometric verification. However, the Presidency emphasised that the authority to issue Nigerian travel documentation remains solely with the Nigeria Immigration Service.
It also noted that individuals facing deportation retain the right to appeal, particularly on grounds related to long-term residence, social integration, or potential difficulties in reintegrating into their home country.
In addition, the agreement provides for reintegration support for returnees. This includes short-term assistance such as accommodation and basic care, as well as longer-term support through education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship programmes aimed at easing their return into society.
The Presidency said the agreement mirrors similar migration arrangements signed between both countries in 2012, 2017, and 2022, and will run for an initial period of five years, subject to renewal.
Reiterating its position, the government urged media organisations to verify information before publication to prevent the spread of misinformation about the bilateral pact.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
