The Federal Government has clarified that its recent migration agreement with the United Kingdom applies strictly to Nigerian citizens who do not have legal status to live in the UK, dismissing claims that it involves accepting non-Nigerians.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, said the clarification became necessary amid what he described as growing misinformation surrounding the agreement signed during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the UK.

According to him, the agreement, signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, does not require Nigeria to receive individuals who are not its citizens.

He emphasised that the UK is also not compelling Nigeria to accept non-Nigerians, noting that the deal strictly concerns Nigerians residing in the UK without proper documentation.

Ajayi further stated that the agreement guarantees that affected individuals will be treated with dignity and retain their rights under Nigerian law upon return. He added that such returnees may be allowed to re-enter the UK in the future if they meet the country’s immigration requirements.

In a related statement, the Ministry of Interior said the framework outlines clear procedures for the dignified return and reintegration of Nigerians without legal residency status in the UK.

The ministry explained that the arrangement includes the use of secure travel documents, case-by-case identity verification, and safeguards for vulnerable individuals, including potential victims of human trafficking.

It also highlighted broader areas of cooperation between both countries, such as information sharing, capacity building, training, and joint research on migration management and border security.

The government reiterated that the agreement is designed to ensure an orderly and humane process, while strengthening bilateral cooperation on migration issues between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.