By Onoja Baba, Nigeria
The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a detailed clarification to counter widespread misinformation surrounding the Memorandum of Understanding on immigration cooperation signed between Nigeria and the United Kingdom during his historic state visit to the UK earlier this week.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated that the MoU, signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Interior and the UK Secretary of State for the Home Department, aims solely to strengthen bilateral ties through regulated, safe, and dignified migration flows while combating irregular migration.
The 12-page document establishes a framework for both countries to facilitate the return of their respective nationals who no longer have the right to remain in the other’s territory, with strict safeguards to protect human rights and dignity.
The State House emphasized that nowhere in the agreement is Nigeria required to accept foreign nationals other than Nigerians. Returnees must be verified as bona fide nationals through multiple identification and biometric checks, and any errors in identification will result in the requesting country (the UK) bearing the cost of returning the individual at the most efficient means possible.
Returnees are guaranteed the right to carry legally acquired personal belongings and ample opportunity to arrange the transfer or disposal of property under supervision.
Key protections include provisions for appeals based on human rights claims, long-term residency, social and cultural integration in the UK, or significant obstacles to reintegration in Nigeria. Returns will use valid passports or expedited processes via UK Letters where strong evidence of nationality exists, with Nigeria’s Immigration Service retaining sole authority to issue or handle Nigerian documentation. If identity concerns arise within five working days, removal is deferred, and the MoU outlines clear timelines for coordination and rectification.
The agreement also provides for short, medium, and long-term reintegration assistance in Nigeria, including airport reception, accommodation, family reunification, job market support, entrepreneurship funds, vocational training, and mental health services.
The Presidency described the MoU as consistent with similar agreements signed in 2012, 2017, and 2022, valid for an initial five years and renewable by mutual consent.
It urged media organisations to seek official clarification on complex issues to avoid misleading the public and reiterated that the partnership focuses on mutual cooperation, dignity, and compliance with domestic laws and international obligations, rather than any unilateral concessions or risks to Nig
erian sovereignty.
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