Nigeria and the United Kingdom have signed three major agreements to deepen cooperation on migration management, border security and business mobility.
The accords include a Memorandum of Understanding on Migration Partnership, a Statement of Intent on Cooperation on Organised Immigration Crime and Border Security, and another Statement of Intent to expand business visas for UK firms operating in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, signed two of the agreements on Wednesday and the third on Thursday during official engagements in the United Kingdom on behalf of the Federal Government.
Speaking after the signing, Tunji-Ojo said the agreements reflect Nigeria’s commitment to a transparent and orderly migration system aligned with national interests and international obligations.
“This partnership is a testament to our shared determination to build a migration system that is safe, orderly and mutually beneficial,” he said.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Babatunde Alao, the minister expressed confidence that the framework would deliver measurable outcomes within a year and could serve as a model for similar bilateral arrangements.
He noted that Nigeria already maintains a strong working relationship with the UK Home Office, describing the partnership as crucial to strengthening migration and security management.
Tunji-Ojo also reaffirmed the commitment of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to enhancing international cooperation in support of national development and security.
He stressed that while Nigeria remains committed to protecting its citizens, individuals who exploit legal migration pathways or engage in criminal activities would be held accountable.
On the expansion of business visas, the minister said the move aligns with ongoing reforms aimed at leveraging visa policies to stimulate economic growth and attract investment, noting that Nigeria’s ambition of building a trillion-dollar economy requires the removal of barriers to trade and cooperation.
Responding, the UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, described Nigeria as a key partner in the United Kingdom’s bilateral relations.
She noted that although the UK engages with several countries on migration issues, Nigeria is the first to conclude such a comprehensive agreement.
“We have a shared vision for the work our countries can do together and we really appreciate this partnership,” she said.
Also speaking, the UK Trade Envoy to Nigeria, Florence Eshalomi, said the expansion of business visas would deliver clear economic benefits to both countries.
She described the agreement as a significant step toward strengthening trade ties and supporting economic growth in Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy.
The agreements are expected to bolster joint efforts in tackling organised immigration crime, improving border security and facilitating business mobility for investors and companies operating across both markets.
