Nigeria and the UK sign three major agreements on migration, border security and business visas, strengthening bilateral ties and boosting economic cooperation
Nigeria and UK Strike Major Migration, Border Security and Visa Expansion Agreements
The Federal Government of Nigeria and the United Kingdom have signed three key agreements aimed at strengthening migration management, tightening border security, and expanding business opportunities between both nations.
The Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) cover a migration partnership framework, joint action against organised immigration crime, and an expanded business visa scheme for UK companies operating in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, signed two of the agreements on Wednesday and concluded the third on Thursday during official engagements in the UK.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Babatunde Alao, the deals signal a deepening of strategic cooperation between both countries.
Tunji-Ojo described the agreements as a reflection of Nigeria’s commitment to a migration system that is transparent, structured, and aligned with both national interests and global obligations.
“This partnership underscores a shared determination to build a migration system that is safe, orderly and mutually beneficial,” he said.
He noted that the immediate focus would be on delivering measurable outcomes and ensuring effective implementation, expressing optimism that the framework could serve as a benchmark for future international partnerships.
The minister also highlighted Nigeria’s longstanding relationship with the UK Home Office.
“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.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s stance on migration control, he stressed that while the country remains committed to protecting its citizens, it will not tolerate abuse of legal migration pathways.
On the expansion of business visas, Tunji-Ojo described the agreement as a major win for economic growth.
“Regarding visa agreement, personally as the Minister of Interior, I can tell you that I am very happy with this, because for us, this is what we have been looking forward to,” he said.
He added that easing visa processes would help dismantle trade barriers and support Nigeria’s ambition of building a trillion-dollar economy.
“I want to assure you on behalf of Mr President and the great people of Nigeria, that we are open for endless possibilities of growth and socio-economic development,” he added.
“So be rest assured that we will be true to this, we will swing into action and ensure all barriers are removed.”
UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, described Nigeria as a top partner in bilateral cooperation.
“You will always be number one because you are the first to have gotten such an extensive agreement and we really do appreciate it,” she said.
“I think we both understand one another and I think we have a shared vision here.”
Also speaking, UK Trade Envoy Florence Eshalomi said the expanded business visa scheme would deliver tangible benefits for both economies, describing it as a bold and necessary step for growth.
What the Agreements Cover
- Migration Partnership: Establishes a structured system to promote safe, orderly, and regulated migration while respecting laws and human rights.
- Immigration Crime & Border Security: A three-year joint strategy to dismantle criminal networks exploiting irregular migration.
- Business Visa Expansion: Simplifies travel for credible UK companies investing or operating in Nigeria, improving ease of doing business.
The business visa scheme will apply to verified UK-based firms with legitimate commercial interests in Nigeria, enabling smoother mobility for business travellers and investors.
