The United Kingdom and Nigeria have agreed on new measures to strengthen cooperation on migration, justice and security, following commitments made during President Bola Tinubu’s State Visit to the UK in March 2026.
The agreement was reached at the annual UK-Nigeria Migration, Justice and Home Affairs Dialogue held in London on October 6, jointly chaired by senior officials of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UK Home Office.
The discussions focused on translating commitments made during the state visit into practical measures to address organised immigration crime, visa fraud, document verification and border management.
Both countries also agreed to strengthen cooperation on safe and dignified returns and reintegration, extradition, asset recovery, prisoner transfers, cyber-enabled fraud and drug trafficking.
Nigeria ranks third globally in the volume of UK student visas issued and fifth in work visas, according to the statement. The two countries said cooperation was necessary to protect legitimate travel while ensuring that those who abuse the immigration system are held accountable.
They also agreed to support the development of Nigerian visa pathways for businesses seeking to invest in the country, in fulfilment of another commitment made during Tinubu’s state visit.
The British Deputy High Commissioner, Vicky Seymour, said the partnership was producing practical results on issues affecting both countries.
She said the agreements would help tackle visa fraud and organised immigration crime, improve border security and support safe and dignified return and reintegration.
“Our goal is simple: protect legitimate travellers, tackle those who abuse our systems and make both our countries safer,” Seymour said.
Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Dunoma Umar Ahmed, said migration remained one of the most significant and visible aspects of relations between the two countries.
He stressed that cooperation should extend beyond enforcement to include meaningful opportunities for legal migration and credible pathways for legitimate migrants.
“The MJHA Dialogue is ultimately about strengthening the security, prosperity, and safety of our nations and citizens,” Ahmed said.
The two countries agreed to jointly monitor progress on the commitments reached at the meeting.
Nigeria is expected to host the next annual UK-Nigeria Migration, Justice and Home Affairs Dialogue in 2027.
