UK returnee agreement applies only to citizens without legal status – Presidency clarifies

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

The Presidency has issued a strong clarification on a recently signed repatriation agreement with the United Kingdom, emphasising that it exclusively targets Nigerian citizens lacking legal status in the UK.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, stressed that the deal, sealed by Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit, and the UK’s Home Secretary, Rt. Hon Shabana Mahmood, does not obligate Nigeria to accept non-citizens.

“The Nigerian government is not taking back non-Nigerians. The UK government is not compelling Nigeria to take those who are not our citizens,” Ajayi said.

The agreement ensures dignified treatment for returnees, including retention of rights under Nigerian domestic law and the possibility of future re-entry if immigration criteria are met.

It outlines detailed protocols for repatriation and reintegration, such as secured travel documents, case-by-case identity checks, and protections for vulnerable individuals and potential trafficking victims.

Ajayi referenced Ministry of Interior’s social media post, noting that the framework also promotes cooperation on information sharing, capacity building, training, and joint research in migration management and border security.