The Presidency on Friday dismissed reports suggesting that Nigeria had agreed to receive foreign deportees under a recent migration agreement with the United Kingdom, insisting that the deal strictly applies to Nigerian citizens residing illegally in the UK.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, said the clarification became necessary following what he described as widespread misinformation surrounding the pact.
Ajayi, in a statement shared via his verified X handle, explained that the agreement was signed during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent state visit to the United Kingdom and does not compel Nigeria to accept non-citizens.
He noted that the deal, executed by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, focuses solely on the return of Nigerians without legal residency status in the UK.
“For clarity, it is important to state that the agreement only relates to Nigerians who do not have legal status to live and remain in the UK,” Ajayi said.
He stressed that Nigeria would not accept deportees who are not its nationals, adding that the British government was not imposing such a condition.
“Nigeria is not taking back non-Nigerians. The UK government is not compelling Nigeria to take those who are not our citizens,” he added.
The presidential aide explained that the clarification followed the circulation of misleading narratives suggesting that Nigeria had entered into a broader deportation arrangement with the UK.
According to him, the agreement guarantees humane treatment for returnees in line with Nigerian laws and international standards, while also allowing affected individuals the opportunity to reapply for entry into the UK, subject to meeting immigration requirements.
Corroborating the Presidency’s position, the Ministry of Interior said the agreement provides a structured framework for the “dignified return and reintegration” of Nigerians who lack legal rights to remain in the UK.
The ministry stated that the arrangement includes the use of secure travel documents, thorough identity verification on a case-by-case basis, and special protections for vulnerable persons, particularly victims of human trafficking.
It added that the pact would also strengthen cooperation between Nigeria and the UK in areas such as information sharing, capacity building, training, and joint research on migration management and border security.
The Federal Government maintained that the agreement reflects a balanced and lawful approach to migration, while safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and the rights of its citizens.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
