The Federal Government has entered into an agreement with the United Kingdom to facilitate the deportation of Nigerians who have exhausted asylum appeals as well as convicted offenders, according to the UK authorities.
The development was disclosed by the UK Home Office on Thursday, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official visit to the UK earlier this week.
Reports indicate that the agreement will address the return of Nigerians who have been denied asylum after exhausting all legal avenues in the UK, as well as those found to have overstayed their visas.
According to figures cited by the Daily Mail, about 961 Nigerian asylum seekers in the UK have used up all their appeal rights, meaning their applications for refugee status have been officially rejected.
In addition, approximately 1,110 Nigerian nationals who are offenders are awaiting deportation under the new arrangement.
The agreement is also expected to facilitate the removal of individuals who have remained in the UK beyond the expiration of their visas, as part of efforts to strengthen immigration control and enforcement.
Authorities say the collaboration is aimed at ensuring compliance with immigration laws while improving coordination between both countries on migration and security matters.
The deal is expected to boost efforts to manage irregular migration and enforce existing immigration rules more effectively.
It also reflects ongoing diplomatic engagements between Nigeria and the UK on issues relating to migration, security, and bilateral cooperation.
Further details on the timeline and implementation of the deportation process are expected to be released by both governments in the coming weeks.
