The Presidency has stated that its deportation agreement with the United Kingdom (UK) applies strictly to Nigerian nationals and excludes foreign citizens.
The clarification follows public concerns over the terms of the deal, which allows the UK to return individuals without valid immigration status, including failed asylum seekers, convicted offenders, and visa overstayers.
In a statement issued on Friday, March 20, 2026, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, said Nigeria would not accept non-citizens under any circumstance, stressing that the agreement is limited to Nigerians residing illegally in the UK.
He noted that the UK authorities are not pressuring Nigeria to receive foreign nationals, adding that the clarification became necessary to counter misleading reports circulating in the public space.
Ajayi also assured that Nigerians repatriated under the arrangement would be treated in line with the law and with full respect for their dignity and rights.
Ajayi added that such individuals could seek to return to the UK in the future if they meet the required immigration conditions.
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The Ministry of Interior also said the repatriation process would involve strict identity checks carried out on a case-by-case basis to confirm the nationality of each individual.
The ministry, in a statement on Friday, said: “The agreement also provides detailed arrangements for the dignified return and reintegration of Nigerians who do not have the legal right to remain in the UK.
“This arrangement includes the use of secured travel documentation, case-by-case identity verification, and safeguards for vulnerable individuals and potential victims of trafficking.
“This framework also sets out clear definitions, scope, and areas of cooperation, including information sharing, capacity building, training, and joint research on migration management and border security.”
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