Over the past 11 years, more than 13,000 Nigerians seeking refugee status in Canada have been denied asylum, with 811 rejections recorded in 2024 alone.
According to data from the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Nigeria ranks among the top five countries with the highest number of rejected claims.
Leading the list is Mexico, with 2,954 denials, followed by India (1,688), Haiti (982), and Colombia (723). Nigeria rounds out the top five with a staggering 13,171 rejected applications.
Why Are Nigerians Being Denied Asylum?
Under Canada’s immigration laws, asylum seekers must prove they face a credible threat of persecution based on factors such as race, nationality, religion, political beliefs, or membership in a vulnerable group, including LGBTQ+ individuals and those living with HIV/AIDS.
Additionally, applicants must demonstrate that returning to their home country would expose them to torture, life-threatening risks, or inhumane treatment. If their claim is deemed eligible, it is forwarded to the RPD for review.
A Decade of Rejections
A closer look at the numbers reveals a steady rise in rejected applications over the years:
2013-2015: A total of 616 Nigerian claims were denied.
2016-2018: Rejections surged to 3,170, with 1,777 denials in 2018 alone.
2019: The peak year for Nigerian rejections, with a record-breaking 3,951 applications turned down.
2020-2024: Rejections gradually declined, with 1,770 in 2020, 1,686 in 2021, 728 in 2022, 439 in 2023, and 811 in 2024.
What This Means for Nigerian Asylum Seekers
The rising rejection rate raises questions about the validity of claims and the tightening of Canada’s immigration policies. While some argue that many applications may not meet the strict refugee criteria, others believe Canada is becoming increasingly selective amid a growing influx of asylum seekers worldwide.
For thousands of Nigerians hoping for a fresh start in Canada, the numbers paint a grim picture—one that suggests their journey to safety and stability remains an uphill battle.
