Nigeria and the European Union have renewed efforts to conclude the long-pending EU-Nigeria Readmission Agreement as both sides seek to deepen cooperation on migration and mobility.
The issue was discussed on Monday, September 21, 2026, when Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, met with the EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
According to a statement by the minister’s media aide, Magnus Eze, Brunner stressed the importance of concluding the agreement, negotiations on which began in 2016.
The issue was also discussed during the eighth Nigeria-EU Ministerial Dialogue in March 2026, with both sides continuing efforts towards its finalisation. EU documents have similarly identified conclusion of the readmission agreement as a priority in migration cooperation with Nigeria.
Brunner said finalising the agreement would provide a framework for broader cooperation between Nigeria and the EU on migration.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu, however, stressed the need for migration cooperation to include reintegration support for returnees, infrastructure development assistance and expanded legal pathways for Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad.
She emphasised the importance of creating structured and lawful mobility opportunities, particularly for Nigeria’s large and youthful population, while ensuring that migration cooperation supports Nigeria’s development interests.
The EU delegation indicated that the concerns were reflected in the proposed framework and outlined plans for a broader Migration and Security Cooperation Contract.
The proposed framework would cover strategic dialogue on talent partnerships, mobility and legal migration pathways, reintegration of returnees, border management and support from the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex).
The cooperation would also explore arrangements for information exchange with Europol to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to combat transnational organised crime.
Brunner further highlighted the EU’s interest in developing legal migration pathways through talent partnerships, saying such arrangements could help address skills shortages in Europe while creating opportunities for Nigerian professionals.
The discussions also focused on combating irregular migration, with the EU commissioner stressing that progress in this area could help facilitate greater opportunities for legal migration.
The EU and Nigeria have previously identified legal migration, return and readmission, border management, anti-trafficking efforts and addressing the root causes of irregular migration as areas for cooperation.
Brunner expressed interest in continuing discussions with the minister during a proposed visit to Abuja in November 2026, with the specific date expected to be agreed by both sides.
