Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has refuted claims that a new migration agreement between Nigeria and the United Kingdom would result in the transfer of foreign criminals to Nigeria.
The agreement, signed during President Bola Tinubu’s recent state visit to the UK, is one of three major pacts aimed at boosting cooperation in migration management, border security, and economic development.
After the deal was announced, it faced public criticism, with some Nigerians alleging it would allow the UK to send asylum-seeking criminals to Nigeria. Addressing these concerns on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Tunji-Ojo explained that the agreement specifically pertains to Nigerian nationals in the UK who have overstayed their visas or are residing without legal status.
Quoting Article 7 of the agreement, he said, The parties will work together to secure the dignified return of their nationals who do not or who no longer have the right to enter or remain in that country. Tunji-Ojo dismissed rumors that the agreement would enable other countries to send their prisoners to Nigeria, stressing that the government would never accept such terms.
This government is not going to tolerate something like that. There is no way this government, under this president, will sign that sort of agreement; it’s never going to be done. What this agreement talks about are Nigerians who are overstayers or who are out of status in the United Kingdom, he stated.
Tunji-Ojo reassured Nigerians that the agreements with the UK are based on international diplomatic reciprocity and present new opportunities for partnership. Nigeria, under this administration, is not interested in exporting problems to any part of the world. We want to solve our problems. We want to put our house in order. Irregular migration is a global problem that requires international collaboration to address, he said.
He also emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency in handling the agreement. While the full text was not published, a press release by Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga provided details of its provisions.
Regarding the benefits of the agreement, Tunji-Ojo explained that Article 8 ensures returnees’ rights are protected, guaranteeing they will be treated with dignity and respect in line with their fundamental human rights. He described the deal as a balanced, reciprocal arrangement.
Tunji-Ojo further clarified that the agreement is distinct from the UK’s controversial Rwanda asylum scheme, as it does not involve family members and each case will be evaluated according to individual legal circumstances.
