Presidency Clarifies UK Migration MoU, Says Only Nigerians Will Be Repatriated

The presidency has moved to quell growing misinformation over Nigeria’s migration agreement with the United Kingdom, insisting that the deal does not permit the deportation of foreign nationals into the country.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, said the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent state visit to the UK had been widely misinterpreted.

“It has become necessary to debunk the raft of misinformation assailing the migration partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom,” the statement read, noting that the agreement is designed to “strengthen the partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom” and promote safe, regulated migration.

The presidency stressed that “nowhere in the 12-page memorandum is Nigeria required to accept foreign nationals other than Nigerians,” adding that individuals eligible for return must undergo “multiple levels of identification and verification.”

According to the statement signed Bayo Onanuga, any error in the process would be corrected at the expense of the requesting country.

Onanuga is the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

“Where errors occur, they are returned to the requesting country at the requesting country’s cost,” the statement added.

The MoU, signed by Nigeria’s minister of interior and the UK home secretary, establishes a framework for cooperation on migration management, including the return of citizens who no longer have the legal right to remain in either country.

“Under the agreement, Nigeria and the United Kingdom will work together to secure the dignified return of their nationals,” the presidency said, emphasising that such returns must respect “human rights and fundamental freedoms.”

Providing further clarity, the statement outlined that returnees must be confirmed as “bona fide nationals” before any repatriation can take place, with both countries responsible for conducting identification checks prior to departure and upon arrival.

“A return will be conducted using an original, valid passport,” it further revered, adding that where necessary, an expedited process may be used based on biometric verification or supporting identity documents.

The presidency also highlighted provisions safeguarding the rights of affected individuals, noting that deportation may be halted if there are valid legal claims.

“Where a person has made a claim under relevant domestic or international human rights legislation, that claim will be considered,” according to further revelations.

Onanuga further pointed to provisions that allow migrants to prepare adequately before departure.

“Every returnee will be given ample opportunity to make adequate arrangements for the transfer or disposal of his property,” he quoted from the agreement.

The Presidential aide added that unlike in the past, returnees would be allowed to travel with their personal belongings and would receive structured reintegration support on arrival, including “airport reception, accommodation, onward transportation… and small cash assistance.”

The statement also underscored Nigeria’s sovereignty in the process, noting that documentation for returnees remains the exclusive responsibility of Nigerian authorities.

“It shall be the sole responsibility of the Nigeria Immigration Service to issue and handle… any Nigerian documentation,” it said.
Describing the agreement as consistent with previous arrangements signed in 2012, 2017, and 2022, the presidency said the current MoU would run for an initial period of five years, subject to renewal.

“We reiterate that media organisations should seek clarification when uncertain about any issue to avoid misinforming the public,” the statement added.