Follow Us on Google
By Lawreence Agbo
Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has dismissed claims that the recent migration agreement between Nigeria and the United Kingdom would allow the transfer of foreign prisoners into the country.
Speaking on Politics Today, Tunji-Ojo clarified that the agreement strictly applies to Nigerian nationals who are out of status in the UK, including visa overstayers, failed asylum seekers, and convicted offenders.
“Article 7 of the agreement says, ‘the parties will work together to secure the dignified return of their nationals who do not or who no longer have the right to enter or remain in that country.’ I have seen some things in the media where some people are saying that they want to go and bring prisoners from all over the world and dump in Nigeria.
“This government is not going to tolerate something like that. There is no way this government, under this president, will sign that sort of agreement; it’s never going to be done. What this agreement talks about are Nigerians who are overstayers or who are out of status in the United Kingdom,” Tunji-Ojo said.
He emphasised that the deal is based on reciprocity and aligns with international migration practices, adding that it provides for the dignified return of individuals who no longer have the legal right to remain in a country.
Other News
“Why do I say there is nothing to be worried about? These agreements have opened a vista of opportunities for collaboration, and I say this very clearly: Nigeria, under this administration, is not interested in exporting problems to any part of the world. We want to solve our problems. We want to put our house in order.
“We believe that irregular migration today is not just a UK problem, it’s not just an American problem—it’s a problem all over the world, including in our own country. Partnership is needed to bring all hands together to solve this problem,” he added.
The minister rejected reports suggesting that Nigeria could be used as a destination for foreign inmates, insisting that such an arrangement would not be tolerated under the current administration.
Tunji-Ojo also assured that Nigerians returned under the agreement would be treated with respect and in line with their fundamental human rights, stressing that the deal poses no risk to the country.
He further noted that the agreement is part of broader efforts to strengthen cooperation between the two countries on migration management, border security, and economic development.
