The Federal Government has issued a formal clarification regarding its recently signed migration agreement with the United Kingdom, stating that only Nigerian citizens will be accepted under the deportation arrangement, amid widespread public concern and misinformation surrounding the deal.
The clarification was provided in a statement by presidential aides and officials of the Ministry of Interior, following reports that Nigeria had agreed to receive deportees from the UK, including individuals without legal status, such as failed asylum seekers, convicted criminals, and visa overstayers. 
According to the presidency, the agreement strictly applies to Nigerian nationals and does not extend to foreign citizens residing in the United Kingdom. Officials emphasised that Nigeria would not accept individuals who are not its citizens, thereby addressing fears that the country could become a destination for deportees of other nationalities. 
The clarification comes in the wake of an earlier announcement that Nigeria and the UK had entered into a bilateral arrangement to facilitate the return of individuals without legal residency status in Britain. The deal was signed during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the UK and forms part of broader efforts to strengthen migration management and bilateral cooperation between both countries. 
Under the agreement, deportees are expected to include Nigerians whose asylum applications have been rejected, those who have overstayed their visas, and individuals convicted of crimes in the UK. 
A key feature of the arrangement is Nigeria’s acceptance of UK-issued identification letters as valid travel documentation for deportees who do not possess passports. This development is considered significant, as it removes a longstanding administrative bottleneck that previously delayed deportation processes. 
Government officials further stated that the agreement guarantees that all returnees will be treated with dignity and in accordance with Nigerian laws, including the protection of their rights upon arrival. It also allows for the possibility of re-entry into the UK in the future, provided individuals meet the necessary immigration requirements. 
The Ministry of Interior noted that deportations under the agreement would be conducted on a case-by-case basis, with proper identity verification procedures in place to ensure that only eligible individuals are returned to Nigeria. 
Beyond deportation logistics, the agreement also outlines areas of cooperation between Nigeria and the UK, including information sharing, capacity building, and joint efforts to combat illegal migration and transnational crime. 
Migration has long been a significant aspect of Nigeria’s relationship with the United Kingdom, given the large number of Nigerians residing in Britain for work, education, and other purposes. However, issues surrounding irregular migration, visa overstays, and asylum claims have increasingly shaped bilateral discussions in recent years.
The Federal Government has maintained that the agreement reflects its commitment to responsible migration management and adherence to international standards, while also safeguarding the interests and sovereignty of Nigeria.
Samuel Aina