FG on UK MIgration Pact: Nigeria Will Only Receive Its Citizens, Not Foreign Deportees

The Federal Government has clarified that Nigeria will only receive its own citizens under the migration agreement with the United Kingdom, firmly dismissing claims of any deal to accept foreign deportees.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, who made this known, dismissed reports suggesting that Nigeria had agreed to accept foreign deportees under the newly signed migration agreement, stressing that the deal strictly covers Nigerian citizens residing illegally in the UK.

In a statement posted on his X handle on Friday, Ajayi explained that the pact, signed during President Bola Tinubu’s recent State visit to the UK, is limited in scope and does not oblige Nigeria to receive non-citizens.

“For clarity, it is important to state that the agreement only relates to Nigerians who do not have legal status to live and remain in the UK”, Ajayi stated, adding that the clarification became necessary amid widespread misleading narratives suggesting that Nigeria had entered into a broader deportation arrangement with the UK.

“Nigeria is not taking back non-Nigerians. The UK government is not compelling Nigeria to take those who are not our citizens”, he emphasised.

Reaffirming the humane provisions of the agreement, Ajayi noted that “the framework provides for the dignified return of affected persons in line with Nigerian laws and international standards.”

According to him, Nigerians returned under the arrangement would still have future opportunities, noting that “those affected may reapply to enter the UK, subject to meeting the required immigration conditions.”

Corroborating the Presidency’s position, the Ministry of Interior said the agreement establishes a structured system for the “dignified return and reintegration of Nigerians who do not have the legal right to remain in the UK.”

The ministry, in a statement shared on social media, outlined key features of the arrangement, including secure travel documentation, case-by-case identity verification, and protections for vulnerable persons, particularly victims of human trafficking.

It also highlighted provisions for enhanced bilateral cooperation in information sharing, capacity building, training, and joint research on migration management and border security.

The Federal Government maintained that the agreement reflects a balanced and lawful approach to migration issues, while safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and the rights of its citizens.