In a statement issued on Friday, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, said the agreement is limited in scope and applies solely to Nigerians who do not have the legal right to remain in the UK. He emphasized that the Nigerian government has not entered into any arrangement to receive individuals who are not its citizens.
According to him, “The Nigerian government is not taking back non-Nigerians. The UK government is not compelling Nigeria to take those who are not our citizens.” He noted that the clarification became necessary amid rising misinformation and public concern surrounding the deal.
Ajayi further explained that the agreement includes provisions to ensure humane treatment of returnees. Nigerians repatriated under the arrangement are expected to retain their rights under domestic law and may be eligible to re-enter the UK in the future, provided they meet existing immigration requirements.
A key feature of the deal is Nigeria’s acceptance—reportedly for the first time—of UK-issued letters as a form of identification for deportees who lack valid passports. These documents will serve as alternative travel certificates to facilitate their return.
Reacting to the development, Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, described the agreement as a significant step forward in bilateral relations. He said the partnership reflects a shared commitment by both countries to establish a migration system that is “safe, orderly, and mutually beneficial.”
Tunji-Ojo added that the strengthened collaboration could serve as a model for future bilateral agreements on migration management between Nigeria and other countries.