Nigeria and the United Kingdom have signed a new agreement to facilitate the return of failed asylum seekers, visa overstayers and convicted offenders, in a move aimed at strengthening migration control and bilateral cooperation.

The agreement was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, during the state visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, according to the UK Home Office.

Under the arrangement, the UK will be able to return individuals with no legal right to remain in the country, including failed asylum seekers and foreign national offenders. The deal also covers visa overstayers and introduces measures to simplify the deportation process.

A key provision allows Nigeria to accept “UK letters” meaning alternative identification documents issued to individuals without valid passports marking the first time such documents will be recognised in place of standard travel papers. Authorities say the measure removes a major administrative hurdle that previously delayed deportations.

Although details such as the start date, duration and financial terms were not disclosed, UK data indicate that about 961 Nigerians have exhausted their asylum appeal rights, while over 1,100 Nigerian offenders are awaiting deportation, suggesting the agreement could accelerate removals.

Mr Tunji-Ojo said the deal reflects Nigeria’s commitment to international obligations and responsible migration management, stressing the need for fairness and openness in bilateral relations.

UK Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Alex Norris, described Nigeria as a key partner in addressing illegal migration, noting its position as the UK’s largest visa market in Africa.

The agreement also provides for joint operations and intelligence sharing between both countries to combat organised immigration crime.

Authorities said the partnership will target networks involved in visa fraud, including fake job sponsorships, sham marriages and forged financial documents.

In addition, both countries plan to tackle online fraud, such as romance scams, investment fraud and cryptocurrency-related crimes. A “fusion cell” model will be introduced to enable coordinated intelligence sharing among government agencies, financial institutions, technology firms and telecommunications companies.

Nigeria is also expected to review its legal framework to strengthen penalties for immigration-related offences as part of the broader cooperation.

The deal follows previous UK migration initiatives, including a 2022 arrangement with Rwanda, which was later scrapped.