Nigeria has signed a new agreement with the United Kingdom that will allow British authorities to deport thousands of failed asylum seekers and convicted offenders back to the West African country.
According to a statement released by the UK Home Office on Thursday, the agreement was formalised by Nigeria’s Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood. The development took place during the official visit of President Bola Tinubu to Britain.
The deal is expected to streamline the return of Nigerian nationals who have either failed in their asylum applications or have been convicted of crimes in the UK, reinforcing cooperation between both countries on immigration control and law enforcement.
Authorities say the agreement marks a significant step in addressing irregular migration while strengthening bilateral ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
