The Presidency has dismissed widespread claims surrounding the Nigeria–United Kingdom Migration Partnership, clarifying that the agreement does not compel Nigeria to accept foreign nationals other than its own citizens.
In a State House press statement issued on Saturday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent state visit to the UK, has been misrepresented in parts of the media and public discourse.
According to the statement, the migration agreement, signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Interior and the UK Secretary of State for the Home Department, is designed to promote safe, orderly, and legal migration between both countries, while strengthening cooperation against irregular migration.
The Presidency stressed that the 12-page MoU contains no provision requiring Nigeria to receive non-Nigerian nationals. It explained that only verified Nigerian citizens would be repatriated, following strict identification and verification processes.
“Where errors occur, such individuals will be returned to the requesting country at its own cost,” the statement noted.
The agreement also outlines that both countries will collaborate to ensure the dignified return of their citizens who no longer have legal rights to remain in the other country, with full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Highlighting provisions of the MoU, the Presidency stated that returnees would be allowed to travel with their personal belongings and be given sufficient time to arrange the transfer or disposal of their property before departure.
It added that individuals facing deportation retain the right to appeal under applicable domestic and international human rights laws, particularly in cases involving long-term residency or potential reintegration challenges.
The statement further clarified that Nigeria retains full authority over its immigration documentation process, noting that the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) remains solely responsible for issuing travel documents for returnees.
On reintegration, the MoU provides for short-, medium-, and long-term support for returnees, including accommodation, counselling services, vocational training, and access to a Returnee Education and Entrepreneurship Fund.
The Presidency emphasized that the agreement is consistent with similar migration arrangements signed between both countries in 2012, 2017, and 2022, and will run for an initial period of five years, subject to renewal.
While urging responsible reportage, the Presidency advised media organisations to seek proper clarification on sensitive national issues to avoid misleading the public.
