The Federal Government has dismissed widespread misinformation surrounding the migration partnership with the United Kingdom, clarifying that the agreement does not require Nigeria to accept foreign nationals.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the clarification became necessary following a raft of false claims about the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to the UK.
According to the presidency, the 12-page document—officially titled the Migration MoU—was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Interior and the UK’s Secretary of State for the Home Department. It establishes a framework to facilitate regulated and safe migration flows between the two countries and strengthen bilateral cooperation against irregular migration.
Misinformation Addressed
Mr. Onanuga stressed that contrary to reports circulating in some media outlets, Nigeria is not obligated to accept foreign nationals under the agreement.
“Nowhere in the 12-page memorandum is Nigeria required to accept foreign nationals other than Nigerians,” the statement read.
It explained that the MoU focuses on the dignified return of nationals from each country who no longer have the right to remain in the territory of the other. Under the agreement, any individual to be repatriated must undergo multiple levels of identification and verification. Should an error occur, the requesting country is responsible for taking the individual back at its own cost.
Key Provisions on Sovereignty and Dignity
The presidency highlighted several provisions aimed at protecting the rights and interests of Nigerian returnees, noting that the agreement marks a departure from past practices.
A key provision allows returnees to carry their legally acquired personal belongings back to Nigeria, addressing a past grievance where migrants often left with nothing.
Article 12 of the MoU guarantees that every returnee will be given ample opportunity to arrange for the transfer or disposal of their property under the supervision of their country’s mission.
The government also emphasised that Nigeria retains exclusive authority over documentation.
According to Article 9, subsection 3, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) holds the sole responsibility to issue and handle all Nigerian documentation for returnees.
“This shall be distinct from the UK Letter process and remains the sole right and responsibility of Nigerian authorities, including the handling of the travel document and any onward transmission required from the issuing office to enable entry,” the statement clarified.
Reintegration and Appeals Process
The MoU also establishes a structured reintegration assistance package for returnees. Upon arrival, individuals will have access to short-term aid such as airport reception, accommodation, and cash assistance, as well as medium and long-term support including family reunification, vocational training, and access to a Returnee Education and Entrepreneurship Fund.
Furthermore, the agreement outlines grounds for appeal against deportation. A return may be challenged if the individual has made a claim under domestic or international human rights legislation, has been lawfully resident in the requesting country for most of their life, or would face significant obstacles to integration in the country of origin.
Consistency with Previous Agreements
The presidency noted that the current MoU is similar to those signed with the UK in 2012, 2017, and 2022. It is set for an initial period of five years, with an option for renewal.
“We reiterate that media organisations should seek clarification when uncertain about any issue to avoid misinforming the public,” Mr. Onanuga said.
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