The United Kingdom has signed a new agreement with Nigeria to ease the deportation of failed asylum seekers and convicted offenders.
The move, which is aimed at tightening immigration enforcement and reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks, was announced on Thursday by the UK Home Office during the state visit of President Bola Tinubu.
The agreement was signed by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, and Nigerian interior minister Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
It is expected to simplify the process of returning Nigerian nationals who have exhausted their legal rights to remain in the UK.
Under the arrangement, Nigerian authorities will accept diplomatic notes, known as “UK Letters,” in place of traditional travel documents such as passports, a longstanding hurdle in deportation processes.
Tunji-Ojo said the agreements reflect Nigeria’s push for a transparent, rules-based migration system that is safe, orderly and mutually beneficial, while tackling abuse of legal pathways and strengthening border control.
He noted the deals will boost trade, ease mobility for businesses, and support Nigeria’s drive toward a trillion-dollar economy under Bola Ahmed Tinubu, removing barriers linked to irregular migration.
UK authorities estimate that about 961 Nigerian nationals have exhausted their asylum appeals, while an additional 1,110 individuals classified as foreign national offenders are currently awaiting deportation.
A new document verification system will be introduced to improve the integrity of visa applications, while Nigeria is also expected to review its legal framework to strengthen penalties for immigration-related offences.
The agreement forms part of a broader diplomatic engagement during Tinubu’s state visit to the UK, the first of its kind in 37 years.
The government also signed a £746 million financing agreement with the United Kingdom to modernise Nigeria’s seaport infrastructure.
The investment targets major upgrades at the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.