The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has dismissed reports suggesting that Nigeria’s migration agreement with the United Kingdom includes provisions for relocating foreign criminals to the country.
The agreement, signed during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to the UK, is aimed at strengthening cooperation on migration management, border security, and broader economic relations between both countries.
However, it sparked public debate following claims that it could allow the transfer of convicted foreign offenders to Nigeria.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Tunji-Ojo clarified that the agreement strictly applies to Nigerian nationals who are either overstaying or no longer legally permitted to remain in the UK.
He referenced Article 7 of the agreement, which provides for the “dignified return of nationals” who lack legal status, stressing that it does not extend to foreign criminals or non-Nigerian citizens.
“There is no way this government will sign such an agreement,” he said, firmly rejecting the allegations.
The minister emphasized that the deal is based on mutual cooperation and does not pose any risk to national security. He added that it is designed to improve collaboration between both countries while ensuring orderly migration processes.
Tunji-Ojo also noted that irregular migration remains a global challenge requiring joint solutions, not isolated action by individual countries.
He further explained that the agreement includes protections for returnees, ensuring they are treated with dignity and in line with their fundamental rights under Article 8.
According to him, the framework is transparent, reciprocal, and distinct from third-country asylum arrangements, with all provisions publicly communicated through official government channels.
The minister maintained that the agreement is part of broader efforts to enhance migration governance while supporting Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic interests.
