The United Kingdom (UK) and Nigeria have signed an agreement to make it easier to deport visa overstayers, foreign criminals, and failed asylum seekers from Britain.
The UK Home Office, in a statement on Thursday, said the agreement was signed during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the UK.
On Tuesday, Mr Tinubu, accompanied by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, arrived in the UK for a two-day historic State Visit on the invitation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
The state visit is the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years. Mr Tinubu was accompanied by several other officials and was hosted by the British monarch at Windsor Castle.
The UK Home Office, in its statement, said the deal signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, removes one of the major administrative hurdles to returning people.
This, it said, means the UK will no longer have to wait for Nigeria to issue emergency travel documents.
“UK letters, an alternative identification document issued to individuals without a valid passport and used to support the return of people with no right to remain in the UK, will be recognised by the Nigerian government for the first time,” it said.
According to the statement, the deal is part of efforts to secure the UK’s borders and remove incentives attracting illegal migrants to Britain.
The Home Office quoted UK Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Alex Norris, as saying, “Anyone who abuses our systems, breaks our laws or tries to cheat their way into Britain will be stopped and removed.
“Today’s agreement is another step in our mission to restore order to the border by ensuring those who have no right to be here are swiftly removed.
“Nigeria is a key partner in our work to tackle illegal migration, as the UK’s largest African visa market and home to thousands of Nigerians who have built their lives here. We owe everyone across the system fairness.”
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In his reaction to the agreement, Mr Tunji-Ojo was quoted as saying, “For us, as a country, we keep saying that we are totally committed to being a responsible country in fulfilling our core obligations.
“It is good that we are starting this with the UK. This relationship with the UK means a lot to Nigeria. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown great commitment to this.”
The statement said the agreement marks a shared commitment to safe, fair and well‑managed migration.
It said a further agreement to launch joint operations and share information has been reached to crack down on criminal gangs exploiting visa routes, ensuring all arrivals are genuine and ready to contribute.
“Following a series of high‑profile cases involving fake job sponsorships, sham marriages and forged financial or employment records, a new standardised document‑checking system will verify the authenticity of applications.
“Nigeria will also review its laws to tackle immigration crime, ensuring the toughest possible sentences are handed down to offenders,” the statement said.
