The Nigerian government has clarified the recent migration partnership with the United Kingdom, addressing what it described as “a raft of misinformation” surrounding the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s historic state visit to the UK.
The memorandum, focused on immigration cooperation, aims to strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and the UK and establish a regulated and safe flow of migration between the two countries. It also encourages collaboration in combating irregular migration, in line with both nations’ immigration laws and international treaties.
The MoU was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Interior and the UK’s Secretary of State for the Home Department, and covers the dignified return of nationals who no longer have the right to remain in the other country.
A key clarification is that nowhere in the 12-page memorandum does Nigeria commit to accepting foreign nationals other than Nigerians. Returnees must undergo multiple identification checks, and in cases of error, they are sent back to the requesting country at the latter’s cost.
Under the agreement, both countries will ensure that returnees are treated with dignity and respect, with full regard for human rights and fundamental freedoms. Law enforcement officers are tasked with protecting the interests of citizens and reducing potential conflict linked to migration issues.
Significantly, the MoU guarantees that returnees carry their legally acquired personal belongings back to their country of origin, unlike previous arrangements where migrants were sometimes left without possessions. Article 12 specifies that every returnee will have the opportunity to manage their property under supervision before departure.
The MoU also provides for appeals in cases where returnees have lived in the requesting country for most of their lives, are socially and culturally integrated, or may face significant obstacles reintegrating into their home country.
Article 9 details the process of return, including identity verification, coordination of flights, and the use of original passports or UK Letters (UKL) for expedited cases. The agreement makes clear that the Nigeria Immigration Service retains sole responsibility for issuing any Nigerian documentation and handling travel documents.
Article 11 outlines reintegration support for returnees, ranging from short-term assistance such as airport reception, accommodation, and small cash assistance, to medium- and long-term support including family reunification, access to local services, education, entrepreneurship, and vocational training.
The MoU, similar to previous agreements signed in 2012, 2017, and 2022, is valid for an initial period of five years, with the possibility of renewal for a further five years.
The government urged media organisations to seek clarification on such matters before publishing, to prevent public misinformation.
