UK, Nigeria deepen partnership on migration, security

The United Kingdom and Nigeria have agreed to deepen cooperation on migration, justice and security as both countries move to implement key agreements reached during President Bola Tinubu’s State Visit to the UK in March 2026.

Senior officials from Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UK Home Office reached the understanding during the annual UK-Nigeria Migration, Justice and Home Affairs Dialogue held in London on October 6, 2026.

A statement issued by the British High Commission Office in Abuja on Tuesday, October 20, said the meeting focused on translating commitments made during Tinubu’s visit into practical areas of collaboration aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing security in both countries.

Key areas of cooperation include tackling organised immigration crime and visa fraud, improving document verification and border management, supporting the safe and dignified return and reintegration of migrants, and strengthening collaboration on extradition, asset recovery, prisoner transfer, cyber-enabled fraud, and drug trafficking.

The British Deputy High Commissioner, Vicky Seymour, said: “The UK-Nigeria partnership is delivering practical results on issues that matter to both our countries. Building on the momentum of President Tinubu’s State Visit, we are turning political commitments into action that benefits citizens in both our countries, from tackling visa fraud and organised immigration crime to strengthening border security and supporting safe and dignified return and reintegration.

“Our goal is simple: protect legitimate travellers, tackle those who abuse our systems and make both our countries safer.”

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On his part, the Nigerian Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Dunoma Ahmed, said: “Migration remains one of the most important and visible aspects of the UK-Nigeria relationship. This dialogue must both cover enforcement activities as well as ensuring meaningful opportunities for legal migration; and credible opportunities for pathways for legitimate migrants.

“The MJHA Dialogue is ultimately about strengthening the security, prosperity, and safety of our nations and citizens.”

The statement added that Nigeria and the UK remain committed to jointly monitor progress against the commitments, with Nigeria set to host the next annual Migration, Justice and Home Affairs talks in 2027.

It said: “Nigeria receives the third highest volume of UK student visas globally, and the 5th highest volume of work visas, making cooperation to protect legitimate travel and ensure those responsible for misusing the system are held to account especially important.

“The UK and Nigeria also agreed to support the development of Nigerian visa pathways for businesses looking to invest in Nigeria, delivering on a further State Visit commitment.”