Desi Elmoye in Abuja
Nigeria Clarifies Role in New Immigration Agreement with the UK
The Office of the President recently issued a detailed 12-page memorandum outlining the framework of a new immigration partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. This memorandum was released during President Bola Tinubu’s official visit to the UK and specifies that Nigeria will not be obligated to host non-Nigerian foreign nationals. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Assistant to the President on Intelligence and Strategy, emphasized the importance of this clarification in a statement aimed at dispelling misinformation circulating about the agreement.
Onanuga highlighted that individuals repatriated under this partnership will undergo rigorous identification and verification processes. Should inaccuracies occur during this process, the involved parties are responsible for handling the return of these individuals at their own expense. This agreement, which Onanuga referred to as a Memorandum of Understanding on Migration Cooperation, has been designed to reinforce the collaboration between Nigeria and the UK on migration issues.
The memorandum, signed by officials from both Nigeria and the UK, serves as a framework for managing safe and regulated migration flows. It aims to bolster bilateral cooperation against illegal migration and related activities in adherence to existing immigration laws and international treaties. Onanuga stated that the document explicitly clarifies that Nigeria is not required to accept any foreign nationals who do not hold Nigerian citizenship.
Central to the document is the commitment to ensure the dignified return of nationals who may no longer have the legal right to remain or enter either country. The memorandum stipulates that returnees must be recognized as bona fide citizens and are entitled to humane treatment, with full respect for their human rights and freedoms. Additionally, law enforcement officials from both countries are tasked with safeguarding the welfare of their nationals during these repatriation processes.
Onanuga drew attention to a significant provision in the memorandum regarding the personal belongings of deported migrants. Unlike previous practices, returnees will now be allowed to carry legally acquired personal effects, enhancing their reintegration experience. According to Article 12, returnees will have the opportunity to arrange the transfer or disposition of their property prior to departure, under the supervision of the requesting country’s diplomatic mission.
Moreover, considerations for restitution are outlined within the agreement, particularly for cases where individuals have claims under applicable national or international human rights laws. Onanuga clarified that appeals may arise when foreign nationals have integrated socially and culturally into their host countries, or when they face considerable challenges reintegrating into their country of origin.
Article 9 details the protocols for the repatriation of migrants, outlining procedures for identification before and upon their return. Repatriations can be conducted via scheduled or chartered flights, with the requesting party required to provide flight details in advance. The use of valid documentation, such as passports, is mandated to ensure a smooth repatriation process.
Overall, Onanuga confirmed that Nigeria retains the authority to document all repatriated individuals, emphasizing that the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) holds exclusive responsibility for processing necessary documentation in accordance with national laws. Reintegration support for returnees is also a central component of the memorandum, offering basic assistance upon arrival and various types of support to facilitate long-term integration.
