Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has dismissed claims that the country’s recent migration agreement with the United Kingdom would allow foreign prisoners to be transferred to Nigeria.
The agreement, signed during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official visit to the UK, is part of broader efforts to strengthen cooperation on migration control, border security, and economic engagement.
Addressing concerns during a televised interview, the minister clarified that the deal strictly applies to Nigerians who no longer have legal residency status in the UK.
He stressed that the agreement focuses on the orderly and dignified return of Nigerian nationals who have overstayed their visas or failed asylum processes, not the relocation of foreign inmates.
Tunji-Ojo firmly rejected suggestions that Nigeria would accept prisoners from other countries, describing such claims as misleading and unfounded.
According to him, the government would never endorse any arrangement that compromises national interest or security.
He further explained that the agreement follows international standards based on reciprocity, ensuring mutual benefits for both countries.
The minister also highlighted that the partnership opens doors for improved collaboration in trade, mobility, and migration management.
On transparency, he maintained that the government has been open about the terms of the agreement, noting that official communications have outlined its key provisions.
He added that the deal guarantees that all returnees will be treated with dignity and in line with their fundamental human rights.
Tunji-Ojo also clarified that the agreement is different from other controversial migration arrangements globally, stating that each case would be handled individually under clearly defined legal frameworks.
The federal government insists that the initiative is aimed at addressing irregular migration while protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerian citizens abroad.
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