The United Kingdom has secured a new agreement with Nigeria aimed at easing the deportation of failed asylum seekers and foreign national criminals.

The deal, announced by the UK Home Office, was signed during the state visit of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It was formalised by UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Nigeria’s Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

UK authorities say the agreement is designed to streamline deportation processes by reducing bureaucratic hurdles and accelerating the return of individuals with no legal right to remain in the country.

Official figures indicate that 961 Nigerian failed asylum seekers have exhausted all appeal rights, while 1,110 Nigerian foreign national offenders are currently awaiting deportation. The new framework is expected to increase the likelihood of their removal, alongside individuals who have overstayed work or visitor visas.

A key feature of the deal allows Nigeria to accept diplomatic notes—referred to as “UK letters”—in place of traditional travel documents such as passports. This is expected to remove one of the major bottlenecks in deportation processes, where delays often arise from waiting for countries to issue travel documentation.

UK Home Office minister Alex Norris said the agreement forms part of efforts to “restore order” to the immigration system.

Responding, Tunji-Ojo said Nigeria remains committed to fulfilling its international obligations.

Beyond migration, the agreement includes measures to combat cybercrime and fraud, with both countries pledging to crack down on criminal networks exploiting visa routes.

The partnership will introduce enhanced document verification systems to detect fraudulent applications, while Nigeria is also expected to review its laws on immigration-related offences, including the possibility of tougher penalties.

The agreement forms part of broader engagements during Tinubu’s visit to the UK—the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years.

During the visit, Tinubu attended a state banquet at Windsor Castle hosted by Charles III, who described Nigeria as an “economic powerhouse, cultural force and influential diplomatic voice.”

The Nigerian leader also met Keir Starmer at Downing Street and paid a private visit to St George’s Chapel in Windsor, where he laid a wreath at the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II alongside First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.

“Today’s agreement is another step in our mission to ensure those who have no right to be here are swiftly removed,” he said, describing Nigeria as a key partner in tackling irregular migration.

“We are totally committed to being a responsible country. This strengthened partnership can serve as a template for other bilateral agreements,” he stated. (The Guardian)