The Presidency has issued a clarification on the migration partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, dismissing what it described as a “raft of misinformation” surrounding the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to the UK.
In a statement released on Saturday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, explained that the MoU on immigration cooperation—like other agreements signed during the visit—is aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and establishing a framework for regulated, safe migration flows.
According to the statement, the 12-page document does not require Nigeria to accept foreign nationals other than its own citizens. It states that nationals to be repatriated must undergo multiple levels of identification and verification, and any errors result in the individual being returned to the requesting country at that country’s cost.
Under the agreement, both nations will work to secure the dignified return of their respective nationals who no longer have the right to enter or remain in the other country. The statement emphasised that returnees must be treated with dignity and respect, with due regard for their human rights and fundamental freedoms.
A key provision highlighted in the clarification is that migrants being returned may carry their legally acquired personal belongings—a departure from past practices. Article 12 of the MoU guarantees every returnee “ample opportunity to make adequate arrangements for the transfer or disposal of his property in the territory of the requesting party.”
The statement also outlined provisions for appeals, noting that claims under relevant domestic or international human rights legislation will be considered, particularly where individuals have been lawfully resident for most of their lives or face significant obstacles to integration in the receiving country.
On documentation, the Presidency emphasised that the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) retains sole responsibility for issuing Nigerian travel documents, distinguishing this from the UK Letter process used for identification.
The agreement also includes reintegration assistance for returnees, ranging from short-term airport reception and accommodation to medium-term family reunification support and longer-term access to an education and entrepreneurship fund.
The MoU, similar to those signed in 2012, 2017, and 2022, is for an initial period of five years and renewable for a further five years.
Onanuga urged media organisations to seek clarification when uncertain about issues to avoid misinforming the public.
