The Presidency on Saturday said the migration partnership signed between Nigeria and the United Kingdom does not require Nigeria to accept foreign nationals who are not its citizens.
In a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the State House said the Memorandum of Understanding on immigration cooperation had been misrepresented in some public commentary following its signing during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the UK.
According to the statement, the agreement provides a framework for regulated and safe migration between both countries and supports closer cooperation against irregular migration, in line with each country’s immigration laws and relevant international obligations.
The Presidency said the deal applies only to verified nationals of either country who no longer have the legal right to enter or remain in the territory of the other. It added that those to be returned must go through several stages of identification and verification before repatriation can take place.
It also said that where mistakes occur and a returned person is later found not to be a national of the receiving country, the requesting country must take the person back at its own cost.
The statement said the agreement requires both countries to ensure that returnees are treated with dignity and respect, with due regard for their human rights and fundamental freedoms.
It added that migrants being returned would be allowed to leave with their legally acquired personal belongings. The Presidency also said returnees would be given time to make arrangements for the transfer or disposal of their property before departure.
On human rights safeguards, the statement said any claim made under domestic or international human rights laws must be considered under the relevant legal provisions of the country handling the case. It said such claims could include long-term lawful residence, social and cultural integration, or major obstacles to reintegration in the country of return.
The Presidency further said the Nigeria Immigration Service retains sole responsibility for issuing and handling Nigerian travel documentation required for any return process. It said this remains the exclusive right of Nigerian authorities under domestic law.
The statement also highlighted provisions for reintegration support. According to the Presidency, returnees may access short-term help such as airport reception, temporary accommodation, onward transport, care packs and small cash support.
It said medium-term support could include family reunification assistance, help with local documentation, referrals to support services, and mental well-being or counselling services where needed.
For longer-term reintegration, the statement said returnees may be able to benefit from education and entrepreneurship support designed to help them re-enter the labour market, start businesses, or pursue vocational training and further education.
The Presidency said the agreement follows similar arrangements signed in 2012, 2017 and 2022. It added that the new MoU will run for an initial five years and may be renewed for another five years if both sides agree.
The statement urged media organisations to seek clarification on unclear issues in order to avoid spreading misinformation.
