RismadarVoice Reporters
March 21, 2026
The Nigerian government has issued a detailed statement clarifying misconceptions surrounding the recently signed migration Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Kingdom, emphasizing that the agreement is designed to facilitate safe, regulated, and dignified migration not to compel Nigeria to accept foreign nationals.
Signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Interior and the UK Secretary of State for the Home Department during President Bola Tinubu’s historic state visit to the UK, the MoU establishes a framework for cooperation on migration matters, including combating irregular migration and related offences, in line with the countries’ respective immigration laws and international treaties.
The statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy)stressed that nationals to be repatriated must undergo rigorous identification and verification processes.
“Where errors occur, returnees are sent back to the requesting country at their cost,” it clarified. Nigeria retains full responsibility for issuing travel documents and managing the repatriation process under its domestic laws.
Key provisions of the MoU include:
•Returnees must carry legally acquired personal belongings, with sufficient time to make arrangements for their property.
•Human rights and fundamental freedoms of all returnees will be respected.
•Appeals can be considered for individuals who have lived most of their lives in the requesting country or face reintegration challenges.
•Returns may be conducted via scheduled or chartered flights, with detailed identification checks before departure and upon arrival.
•If a returnee is later found not to be a Nigerian national, the requesting country bears the cost of taking the person back.
The MoU also provides for reintegration assistance, including airport reception, accommodation, transport, care packages, counselling, vocational training, education, and business support, aimed at ensuring sustainable reintegration into society.
The agreement, similar to MoUs signed in 2012, 2017, and 2022, is valid for an initial five-year period and may be renewed for another five years by mutual agreement.
