Nigeria, UK sign 3 agreements to boost bilateral cooperation

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the United Kingdom have signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

The agreements cover migration partnership, cooperation on organised immigration crime and border security, and a statement of intent on expanding business visas for UK companies operating in Nigeria.

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, signed two of the MoUs on Wednesday and the third on Thursday on behalf of the Federal Government in the UK.

Tunji-Ojo said the agreements reflected Nigeria’s commitment to a migration framework that is transparent and aligned with national interests and international obligations.

Tunji-Ojo said the partnership underscored a shared determination to build a migration system that is safe, orderly and mutually beneficial.

He added that the focus over the next year would be on achieving measurable progress and effective implementation, expressing hope that the agreements would serve as a model for future bilateral cooperation.

The minister, in a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Babatunde Alao, acknowledged that Nigeria had an existing applaudable working relationship with UK home office in Nigeria.

“This relationship with the UK means a lot to us and you can see the level of commitment that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has put in,” Tunji-Ojo said.

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He reiterated that Nigeria remained steadfast in its duty to protect citizens while ensuring that those who abuse legal pathways or engage in criminality are held accountable.

The MoU on Migration Partnership, establishes a comprehensive framework for promoting safe, orderly and regulated migration between both countries while reaffirming full respect for national laws, international obligations, and human rights.

In addition, the Statement of Intent on Cooperation on Organised Immigration Crime and Border Security establishes a three-year strategic plan between the UK Home Office and Nigeria’s Ministry of Interior (Nigeria) to combat criminal networks that profit from irregular migration.

The MoU on the Expansion of Business Visas for UK companies working with Nigeria announces the expansion of the Business Visa Scheme for UK companies seeking to conduct business in Nigeria, mirroring the UK’s existing enhanced processes for trusted Nigerian companies.

The scheme will be open to credible UK-domiciled firms with verified business or investment interests in Nigeria and is designed to facilitate easier mobility for legitimate business travellers between the two countries.

The Star