Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has revealed that over 840,000 foreigners are currently overstaying their visas in Nigeria—a situation he described as a major migration challenge.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, the minister said this figure was determined using the country’s newly upgraded immigration tracking system.
Just as there are Nigerians overstaying their visas in the UK, we also face a similar problem here. As of this morning, our enhanced system shows about 848,290 visa overstayers in Nigeria. These individuals are citizens of various countries residing here, he stated.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized that irregular migration is a global issue that requires international collaboration. He noted that tackling visa overstays would also help reduce crimes such as human trafficking and smuggling.
He highlighted the importance of bilateral agreements in ensuring the dignified return of individuals without legal residency, but dismissed concerns that Nigeria would be forced to accept foreign prisoners.
I’ve seen reports suggesting prisoners would be brought into Nigeria. This government will not accept that. There’s no possibility of this administration signing such an agreement, he asserted.
The minister clarified that the recently signed migration agreement between Nigeria and the UK is based on reciprocity and applies only to Nigerian nationals. He stressed that the government has been open about the deal, which does not involve the transfer of foreign inmates.
Tunji-Ojo further explained that the agreement is distinct from the UK’s Rwanda asylum plan, as it excludes family members and stipulates that each case is assessed according to specific legal criteria.
He assured that Nigerians returned under this arrangement would be treated with dignity and in full respect of their fundamental rights, adding that no Nigerian will be disadvantaged by the agreement.
In March, the minister also disclosed that the Federal Government has enhanced its ability to track and apprehend visa overstayers, utilizing data gathered over the last decade and the capabilities of the Nigeria Immigration Service’s Integrated Operations Centre and Network Operations Centre.
These developments come after the migration pact signed in March during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the UK. The agreement aims to expedite the return of Nigerian visa overstayers, failed asylum seekers, and convicted offenders from the UK, while boosting collaboration on combating visa fraud, cybercrime, and other transnational crimes.
