The Nigerian presidency has clarified that its new migration agreement with the United Kingdom applies strictly to Nigerian citizens and does not include the return of foreign nationals.
According to Temitope Ajayi, spokesperson to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the arrangement covers only Nigerians in the UK who lack legal status, including failed asylum seekers, visa overstayers, and individuals convicted of crimes.
He emphasized that Nigeria will not accept deportees who are not its citizens, dismissing concerns that the country might be required to receive foreign nationals under the agreement. Ajayi said the clarification was necessary to counter misinformation surrounding the deal.
He also noted that returning citizens would be treated with dignity and would retain their rights under Nigerian law, with the option of re-entering the UK in the future if they meet immigration requirements.
The position was further reinforced by officials associated with Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who confirmed that the agreement is strictly limited to Nigerian nationals.
