Nigeria is currently grappling with a significant migration challenge, with more than 840,000 foreign nationals reported to be overstaying their visas, according to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
The minister disclosed the figure during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, noting that data from the country’s recently upgraded immigration tracking system revealed that about 848,290 individuals from various countries are currently residing in Nigeria beyond the validity of their visas.
He described the development as part of a broader global migration issue, stressing that irregular migration is not unique to Nigeria but a shared concern across nations. Drawing parallels, he noted that just as Nigerians overstay visas abroad, Nigeria also faces similar challenges within its borders.
Tunji-Ojo explained that addressing visa overstays is critical to tackling associated crimes such as human trafficking, smuggling, and other transnational offences, which often thrive in environments where migration systems are weak or poorly enforced.
The minister emphasised the importance of bilateral cooperation in managing migration, particularly through agreements that ensure the dignified return of individuals who no longer have the legal right to remain in a country. He reiterated that such arrangements are guided by principles of reciprocity and mutual respect between nations.
He also used the opportunity to dismiss concerns surrounding Nigeria’s recent migration agreement with the United Kingdom, insisting that the deal does not involve the transfer of foreign prisoners into Nigeria. According to him, the agreement strictly applies to Nigerian nationals who are out of status in the UK.
Tunji-Ojo maintained that the Federal Government has been transparent about the terms of the agreement and assured Nigerians that there are no hidden provisions that could undermine national interest.
He further clarified that the arrangement differs from other controversial international asylum policies, noting that each case under the Nigeria-UK agreement would be handled based on specific legal conditions and would not involve family members.
On the treatment of returnees, the minister assured that Nigerians repatriated under the agreement would be treated with dignity and in accordance with their fundamental human rights, adding that the country stands to benefit from structured migration management.
Beyond policy, Tunji-Ojo revealed that the government has significantly strengthened its capacity to monitor and enforce immigration compliance. He said this is being driven by data accumulated over the past decade and enhanced through the operations of the Nigeria Immigration Service’s Integrated Operations Centre and Network Operations Centre.
The disclosure comes amid growing attention to migration governance in Nigeria, following a bilateral pact signed earlier in March between Nigeria and the United Kingdom during President Bola Tinubu’s official visit.
That agreement is expected to streamline the return of Nigerian visa overstayers, failed asylum seekers, and convicted offenders in the UK, while also deepening collaboration in combating visa fraud, cybercrime, and other cross-border criminal activities.
As Nigeria tightens its immigration controls, authorities say the focus remains on balancing enforcement with human rights, while strengthening international partnerships to address the complex realities of modern migration.
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