Nigeria and the United Kingdom have entered into fresh agreements covering deportation, visa processes, criminal justice cooperation, and the fight against financial crime. The accords were finalized during the 2025 Migration, Justice, and Home Affairs Dialogue (MJHA), held in Abuja on Wednesday.
The outcomes were detailed in a joint communiqué signed by Ambassador Asari Allotey for Nigeria and Ambassador Asim Hafeez for the UK, and released to journalists on Friday.
Strengthening Deportation and Migration Frameworks
A major highlight of the dialogue was a renewed commitment by both nations to return individuals without legal immigration status. The UK delegation emphasized that “returning those that no longer have a legal right to remain in the UK is a top priority for the UK Government.”
Officials also reaffirmed their collaboration under the 2022 Migration Returns Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), pledging to ensure that all deportations are conducted safely, respectfully, and in line with international standards.
Visa Reforms and Digitalization
On visa policies, the UK updated Nigerian authorities on the progress of its e-visa rollout, promising expanded access for Nigerian business travellers. Nigeria, in turn, committed to sharing updates on its own Nigeria e-visa system to support the UK’s efforts toward full digitalization.
Combating Organised and Financial Crimes
The two countries announced plans to finalize a new MoU on Organised Immigration Crime, aimed at strengthening border management and reducing irregular migration. The UK also pledged to expand training opportunities for Nigerian immigration officers.
Additionally, both nations agreed to conduct a Strategic Serious Organised Crime Threat Analysis, marking what officials described as “the first of its kind in West Africa.”
As part of the security cooperation, the UK formally handed over the Brighter Futures PREVENT Programme to Nigeria’s National Counter-Terrorism Centre — an initiative designed to steer at-risk youth away from organized crime. Nigeria pledged to sustain the programme beyond March 2026.
Justice and Extradition Cooperation
On extradition, both governments committed to faster and more transparent processes to prevent criminals from evading justice. Quarterly review meetings will now be held to monitor progress, while the UK promised to maintain information-sharing with its courts regarding Nigeria’s prison conditions.
In addition, the prisoner transfer agreement between both nations will be reviewed to align with Nigeria’s Correctional Services Act 2019, clarifying timelines and detention conditions for transferred inmates.
Tackling Human and Commodities Trafficking
Nigeria and the UK also agreed to develop a new MoU targeting human trafficking and commodities trafficking, particularly in the maritime sector, to strengthen inter-agency collaboration.
Partnership Against Illicit Financial Flows
Reaffirming their commitment to global anti-corruption efforts, both sides pledged to advance a Public-Private Partnership on financial crime. The goal is to promote transparency, reform global financial centers, and tighten regulations on professionals enabling illicit wealth transfers.
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The next edition of the Migration, Justice, and Home Affairs Dialogue is scheduled to take place in the United Kingdom in 2026.
