The deal, reached during the state visit of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu…reports Asian Lite News
A new UK Nigeria agreement is set to fast track the removal of visa overstayers, foreign criminals and failed asylum seekers, marking a significant tightening of Britain’s immigration enforcement system.
The deal, reached during the state visit of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, will for the first time see Nigeria recognise UK issued identification letters for individuals without valid passports. This removes a key administrative barrier that previously delayed returns while emergency travel documents were processed.
The agreement was finalised between Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Nigeria’s Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, and is being positioned as a major step in the UK’s wider push to strengthen border control and deter illegal migration.
Minister for Border Security and Asylum Alex Norris said the move would accelerate removals and reinforce the integrity of the system. “Anyone who abuses our systems, breaks our laws or tries to cheat their way into Britain will be stopped and removed,” he said. “This agreement is another step in restoring order at the border by ensuring those with no right to be here are swiftly returned.”
Nigeria’s Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji Ojo described the agreement as part of a broader commitment to responsible governance and strong bilateral ties. He said Nigeria remains committed to fulfilling its obligations and strengthening long term cooperation with the UK. “This relationship means a lot to Nigeria,” he said, adding that both sides must remain open and fair to sustain it for future generations.
Officials said the agreement reflects a shared commitment to safe and well managed migration. Annual returns to Nigeria have nearly doubled to around 1,150, while total removals of illegal migrants and foreign criminals from the UK have reached nearly 60,000 since the 2024 election.
The partnership also includes new joint operations and intelligence sharing to crack down on organised immigration crime. Authorities will target abuse of visa routes, including fake job sponsorships, sham marriages and forged financial records, through a new standardised document verification system.
Nigeria is also expected to review its legal framework to strengthen penalties for immigration related offences, while both countries will expand cooperation to combat fraud and exploitation.
A new joint initiative will tackle online scams, including romance fraud, investment schemes and cryptocurrency related crime, using a “fusion cell” model that brings together law enforcement, banks, technology firms and telecom companies to share intelligence in real time.
UK officials said the approach has already delivered results, citing hundreds of arrests and millions of pounds seized in recent operations. Earlier joint efforts between the UK’s National Crime Agency, Nigerian police and technology platforms uncovered large scale crypto linked scam networks targeting British residents.
The agreement also includes measures to protect vulnerable groups, particularly Nigerian women and children at risk of exploitation, while improving business visa processes to support investment and economic cooperation between the two countries.
Together, officials say, the deal signals a deeper UK Nigeria partnership focused on security, migration control and economic growth.
