The State House Nigeria has dismissed widespread claims surrounding the migration partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, clarifying that the agreement does not compel Nigeria to accept foreign nationals.
In a statement issued on Saturday, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent state visit to the UK, has been widely misrepresented.
“It has become necessary to debunk the raft of misinformation assailing the migration partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom,” the statement read.
According to the presidency, the MoU—signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Interior and the UK’s Home Secretary—aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation and establish a framework for safe, orderly, and regulated migration between both countries.
The government stressed that the agreement strictly applies to the return of verified nationals and not foreign citizens.
“Nowhere in the 12-page memorandum is Nigeria required to accept foreign nationals other than Nigerians,” the statement clarified.
It explained that individuals eligible for repatriation must undergo multiple layers of identification and verification, and any errors would result in the person being returned to the requesting country at its own expense.
The statement further noted that both countries are committed to ensuring the dignified return of their citizens who do not have the legal right to remain in the other country, with full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
“A clear condition in the MoU is that the returnees concerned are bona fide nationals of the country and are treated with dignity and respect,” Onanuga stated.
The presidency also highlighted provisions designed to protect migrants, including the right to appeal deportation decisions under domestic and international human rights laws, particularly in cases involving long-term residency or social integration.
In addition, the agreement allows returnees to travel with their legally acquired belongings and make adequate arrangements for their property before departure.
“Every returnee will be given ample opportunity to make adequate arrangements for the transfer or disposal of his property,” the statement noted, citing provisions of the MoU.
On documentation, the government emphasised that Nigeria retains full control over its immigration processes.
“It shall be the sole responsibility of the Nigeria Immigration Service to issue and handle… any Nigerian documentation,” the statement added.
The MoU also includes reintegration support for returnees, ranging from short-term assistance such as accommodation and transportation to long-term opportunities like education, entrepreneurship funding, and access to the job market.
The agreement, similar to previous migration arrangements signed in 2012, 2017, and 2022, will run for an initial period of five years, subject to renewal upon mutual agreement.
While urging the media to verify information before publication, the presidency reassured Nigerians of its commitment to protecting national interests.
“Media organisations should seek clarification when uncertain about any issue to avoid misinforming the public,” the statement concluded.
