The Presidency of Nigeria has clarified that Nigeria is under no obligation to receive foreign nationals under the new migration agreement signed with the United Kingdom, dismissing widespread claims that migrants from other countries could be deported to Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Saturday, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga described reports suggesting that Nigeria would serve as a destination for non-Nigerian deportees as false and misleading.
According to him, the 12-page Memorandum of Understanding signed between both countries does not compel Nigeria to accept anyone other than its own citizens.
“Nowhere in the memorandum is Nigeria required to accept foreign nationals other than Nigerians,” Onanuga stated.
He explained that the agreement, signed by Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and the UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, is designed to strengthen cooperation on migration management, improve border control, and tackle irregular migration through a regulated framework.
The presidential spokesman said the deal establishes procedures for the safe and orderly return of nationals who no longer have legal rights to remain in either country, in line with domestic immigration laws and international conventions.
He stressed that any person to be repatriated must pass through multiple stages of identity verification before removal is approved, while mistakes in identification would require the requesting country to bear the cost of returning the individual.
Under the agreement, both countries are expected to ensure that returnees are treated with dignity and respect, with full regard for their human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The MoU also guarantees that returnees can travel with legally acquired personal belongings and are given adequate time to manage or transfer property before departure.
Onanuga’s clarification follows earlier comments by presidential aide Temitope Ajayi, who stated that the arrangement applies strictly to Nigerians without valid legal status in the UK.
Ajayi emphasised that the agreement does not authorise the UK to send non-Nigerians to Nigeria and accused critics of spreading misinformation about the deal.
According to him, the framework also provides safeguards for vulnerable returnees, including victims of trafficking, while covering areas such as secure travel documentation, identity checks, information sharing, capacity building, and joint migration research.
The Nigerian government maintained that the agreement is intended to support structured migration management while protecting the rights and dignity of affected citizens.
