Nigerian govt not accepting foreign deportees – Presidency

The Presidency has moved to dispel confusion surrounding a newly signed migration pact with the United Kingdom, clarifying that the arrangement concerns only Nigerians living in the UK without valid legal status.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, said the explanation became necessary after reports wrongly suggested that Nigeria had agreed to receive deportees who are not its citizens.

In a statement shared on X on Friday, Ajayi stressed that the agreement strictly applies to Nigerians who do not have the legal right to stay in the UK.

He said: “For clarity, it is important to state that the agreement signed by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during the state visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on behalf of the Government of Nigeria, and the UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, only relates to Nigerians who do not have legal status to live and remain in the UK.

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

This clarification becomes necessary because of those who have already revved up their misinformation machinery.”

Ajayi further explained that Nigerians returned under the deal would be treated with dignity, enjoy their rights under Nigerian law, and may be eligible to re-enter the UK in the future if they meet immigration requirements.

In a separate statement, the Ministry of Interior said the agreement provides a structured process for the safe return and reintegration of Nigerians without legal residency in the UK.

The ministry added that the arrangement includes secure travel documentation, individual identity checks, and protective measures for vulnerable persons, including possible victims of human trafficking.

It also covers collaboration in areas such as data exchange, capacity development, training, and joint studies on migration management and border security.

Nigeria signed the agreement with the UK on Thursday as part of efforts to improve migration control and strengthen bilateral relations.

The deal allows the UK to return individuals without legal status, including failed asylum seekers, visa overstayers, and convicted offenders.

Additionally, it introduces administrative steps to speed up the deportation process, such as the acceptance of “UK letters” alternative identity documents for individuals without valid passports.