Olawunmi Ajibike
The Presidency has clarified that the newly signed migration agreement between Nigeria and the United Kingdom applies strictly to Nigerian citizens who do not have legal permission to live in the UK.
Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, explained that the deal does not involve the return of non-Nigerians, nor does it require Nigeria to accept individuals who are not its citizens.
The agreement was signed during a state visit by Tinubu, with Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo representing Nigeria, while UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood signed on behalf of the British government.
Ajayi stressed that the arrangement is limited in scope, noting that it only concerns Nigerians residing in the UK without legal status. He added that the clarification became necessary to counter misinformation suggesting otherwise.
According to him, the agreement ensures that affected Nigerian citizens will be returned in a humane manner, with their rights protected under existing laws. It also allows for the possibility of re-entry into the UK if they meet future immigration requirements.
The framework outlines procedures for secure travel documentation, individual identity verification, and special protections for vulnerable persons, including potential victims of trafficking.
Additionally, the pact establishes areas of cooperation between both countries, including information sharing, capacity building, training, and joint research on migration management and border security.