The Nigerian government has issued a formal clarification of its new migration partnership with the United Kingdom, seeking to debunk what it describes as a “raft of misinformation” surrounding the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to the UK.
In a press release dated March 21, 2026, the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, outlined the provisions of the 12-page agreement, emphasizing that it establishes a framework for regulated and safe migration flows and bilateral cooperation against irregular migration.
The MoU was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Interior and the UK’s Secretary of State for the Home Department. According to the statement, the agreement mirrors similar partnerships established in 2012, 2017, and 2022 and is set for an initial period of five years, with the option for renewal.
A central point of the government’s clarification is that the agreement does not require Nigeria to accept foreign nationals from any country other than Nigeria. The statement stressed that any individual to be repatriated must undergo multiple levels of identification and verification. It added that in the event of an error, the person would be returned to the requesting country at that country’s expense.
The government highlighted several provisions aimed at ensuring the dignified treatment of returnees. Notably, the agreement stipulates that migrants will be allowed to carry their legally acquired personal belongings to their country of destination. Article 12 further guarantees returnees the opportunity to make arrangements for the transfer or disposal of their property under the supervision of their country’s mission.
Under the terms of the MoU, law enforcement agencies from both nations will coordinate on returns. The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) retains the sole responsibility for issuing Nigerian documentation for returnees. The agreement also outlines a clear process for appeals, particularly for individuals who have been long-term, lawfully integrated residents in the UK or who would face significant obstacles to reintegration in Nigeria.
The partnership also includes provisions for reintegration assistance. According to Article 11, returnees will have access to short-term aid, such as airport reception and accommodation, as well as medium- and long-term support, including access to a Returnee Education and Entrepreneurship Fund aimed at enabling sustainable reintegration through job placement, business setup, or vocational training.
“We reiterate that media organisations should seek clarification when uncertain about any issue to avoid misinforming the public,” the statement concluded.
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