Presidency Breaks Silence: Nigeria Won’t Take UK Deportees

The The Presidency of Nigeria on Friday refuted reports alleging that the country had entered into an agreement with the United Kingdom to receive foreign deportees, clarifying that the arrangement strictly վերաբ to Nigerian nationals residing unlawfully in the UK.

According to Ireporter Online, the clarification was issued by Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, who described circulating claims as misleading and inaccurate.

Speaking via his platform, Ajayi explained that the agreement, signed during Tinubu’s recent official visit to the UK, has a clearly defined scope limited to Nigerians without valid immigration status. He emphasized that the Federal Government has no obligation to accept individuals who are not citizens of Nigeria, noting that there is no provision compelling the country to receive foreign nationals.

The agreement was signed on behalf of Nigeria by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, while Shabana Mahmood represented the British government. The deal, according to official sources, is focused on facilitating the return of Nigerians who lack legal residency in the UK.

Ajayi further assured that the framework incorporates measures to ensure the humane treatment of returnees, in compliance with Nigerian laws and international standards. He added that affected individuals would retain the right to reapply for entry into the UK, provided they meet the required immigration conditions.

Corroborating this position, the Federal Ministry of Interior Nigeria stated that the agreement establishes a structured process for the dignified return and reintegration of Nigerians without legal status abroad. Key components of the pact include secure travel documentation, strict identity verification procedures, and safeguards for vulnerable persons, particularly victims of human trafficking.

The ministry also highlighted provisions for strengthened collaboration between Nigeria and the UK in areas such as intelligence sharing, training, capacity development, and joint research on migration management and border security.

The Federal Government maintained that the agreement reflects a lawful and balanced response to migration challenges while preserving Nigeria’s sovereignty, stressing that recent claims suggesting a broader deportation arrangement are unfounded.