The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has dismissed claims that Nigeria’s recent migration agreement with the United Kingdom will allow foreign criminals to be transferred into the country.
The agreement, signed during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the UK, is one of several deals aimed at strengthening cooperation on migration, border security, and economic development.
However, the deal sparked concerns among Nigerians, with some suggesting it could be used to deport criminals from other countries into Nigeria. Speaking on a television programme, Tunji-Ojo clarified that the agreement strictly applies to Nigerians who are in the UK without valid immigration status.
He explained that the provision in question only allows for the return of individuals to their home country if they no longer have the legal right to stay abroad. According to him, there is no clause permitting the transfer of foreign prisoners into Nigeria.
The minister stressed that the government would never agree to any arrangement that turns the country into a destination for criminals from other nations. He reassured citizens that the agreement is based on mutual respect and follows international standards of reciprocity.
Tunji-Ojo also noted that the deal presents opportunities for stronger collaboration between both countries, particularly in tackling irregular migration, which he described as a global issue affecting not just Europe but also Africa.
He maintained that the government has been transparent about the agreement, adding that official communications have already outlined its key provisions.
On what Nigeria stands to gain, the minister pointed out that the agreement guarantees that returnees will be treated with dignity and in line with their fundamental human rights. He described the arrangement as balanced, saying both Nigeria and the UK stand to benefit equally.
He further clarified that the deal is different from controversial asylum arrangements seen elsewhere, noting that each case under the agreement would be handled based on specific legal conditions rather than a blanket policy.
