Nigeria and the United Kingdom recently signed an immigration cooperation agreement aimed at improving the process of returning certain migrants to Nigeria.
The deal was concluded during the state visit of President Bola Tinubu to the United Kingdom on March 18 and March 19.
The minister of interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, signed the agreement on behalf of Nigeria alongside the home secretary, Shabana Mahmood.
The arrangement focuses on strengthening cooperation between both countries on migration management and the lawful return of individuals.
Initial reports from the UK Home Office raised questions about whether the agreement would include deportees of other nationalities.
However, the Nigerian presidency later clarified that the arrangement only concerns Nigerian citizens.
The presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, later provided additional explanations about the provisions contained in the memorandum.
According to the statement, the agreement is intended to support an organised and transparent migration process between the two countries.
Authorities said the document outlines procedures that both governments are expected to follow during deportation operations.
One of the central provisions states that individuals to be returned must be verified as Nigerian nationals.
“Nowhere in the 12-page memorandum is Nigeria required to accept foreign nationals other than Nigerians,” Onanuga said.
He added that the document includes safeguards relating to the treatment of individuals involved in the process.
“A clear condition in the MoU is that the returnees concerned are bona fide nationals of the country and are treated with dignity and respect, with due regard to their human rights and fundamental freedoms,” Onanuga said.
The statement explained that deportation procedures will involve several stages of identification and confirmation of nationality.
Officials from both countries are expected to work together to confirm the status of individuals before removal takes place.
If errors occur during the identification process, the agreement provides that the requesting country will handle the cost of returning the individual.
Law enforcement agencies in both countries are also expected to coordinate actions related to migration matters.
Authorities say this approach is designed to reduce misunderstandings and ensure orderly procedures.
The categories of persons affected by the arrangement include failed asylum applicants, individuals convicted of crimes, and people who overstayed their visas.
Another provision in the memorandum concerns the personal belongings of individuals being returned.
The agreement allows deportees to make arrangements regarding property and personal items before departure.
“Every returnee will be given ample opportunity to make adequate arrangements for the transfer or disposal of his property in the territory of the requesting party, under the supervision of the mission of the requested party,” the agreement states.
Officials said this provision seeks to prevent situations where individuals are returned without access to their lawful possessions.
The document also explains how deportation logistics will be organised between both countries.
According to the agreement, identification checks will be carried out before departure and again on arrival in Nigeria.
The process involves Nigerian officials working within the United Kingdom to verify identity details.
In addition, both governments will coordinate travel arrangements connected to the return process.
Flights used for deportation may include scheduled commercial aircraft or specially arranged charter flights.
Authorities said the requesting country must provide flight details and information about the returnees ahead of departure.
The agreement specifies that this information should be provided at least five working days before the planned return date.
Documentation requirements are also outlined in the memorandum between both countries.
A returnee may travel with a valid passport or another approved identification method recognised under the agreement.
One such document introduced in the arrangement is the United Kingdom Letter used for identification in certain circumstances.
The provision allows authorities to verify a person’s identity through biometric matches linked to visa records.
Where biometric records confirm identity, the process may proceed through an expedited procedure using the document.
The same approach may apply where there is strong supporting evidence showing that the person is a Nigerian citizen.
Examples of such evidence include passport copies, identification numbers, or national identity cards.
The agreement states that Nigerian authorities may review the documentation before confirming acceptance.
If officials are not satisfied with the identity of a person within five working days, the removal process may be paused.
In such situations, the requesting country is expected to cover the cost of adjusting the removal arrangement.
Another part of the memorandum addresses documentation responsibilities within Nigeria.
Under the arrangement, the Nigeria Immigration Service will continue to manage official Nigerian travel documents.
“This shall be distinct from the UK Letter process and remains the sole right and responsibility of Nigerian authorities, including the handling of the travel document and any onward transmission required from the issuing office to enable entry,” the agreement states.
The memorandum also provides opportunities for appeals in certain situations.
Individuals facing deportation may raise claims under domestic or international human rights laws.
Authorities in the requesting country are expected to review such claims according to their legal framework.
Appeals may arise in cases where individuals have lived in the United Kingdom for most of their lives.
Another factor considered in appeals may involve challenges linked to reintegration in Nigeria.
Beyond the return process, the agreement outlines assistance available to individuals arriving in Nigeria.
Officials say returnees may receive basic support immediately after arrival.
“Short-term assistance may include airport reception, accommodation, onward transportation, care and provision packs and small cash assistance,” the agreement states.
The document also mentions additional forms of assistance during the reintegration period.
“Medium-term assistance can include support to find and reunite with family; support in obtaining the in-country documentation required, signposting to local services, and the potential provision of mental well-being and counselling services (if required),” the agreement states.
The memorandum further describes longer-term support options for returnees.
“Longer-term assistance may allow access to a Returnee Education and Entrepreneurship Fund to enable sustainable reintegration,” the agreement states.
Officials explained that such support may include help in accessing employment, training, or educational opportunities.
Both governments are expected to notify each other if policies related to reintegration support change.
The agreement sets an initial operational period for cooperation between both countries.
Under the terms of the memorandum, the arrangement will last for five years.
The document also allows the possibility of renewal if both countries agree to extend the partnership.
