United Kingdom and Nigeria have signed a comprehensive three-year strategic plan to strengthen cooperation against organised immigration crime and enhance border security. The agreement was formalised during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the UK.
A joint statement by the UK Home Office highlighted that migration and border control remain “a matter of significant importance” to both countries. The initiative aims to reduce organised immigration crime, improve legal systems, and foster operational collaboration.
The agreement was signed by Shabana Mahmood and Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. Under the pact, Nigeria will review its legal framework to enforce stricter penalties for immigration-related offences, especially those involving false documents, while both countries will expand the legal basis for prosecuting offenders.
The plan also includes strengthening the UK–Nigeria Organised Immigration Crime Unit through Memoranda of Understanding covering operational engagement and data sharing. The UK will provide training and capacity building for Nigerian border security agencies, and both nations will collaborate on safeguarding vulnerable migrants, particularly women and children.
Additional measures under the agreement include enhanced research, improved document verification systems, and regular monitoring through the UK–Nigeria Migration, Justice, and Home Affairs Dialogue.
The pact reflects a mutual commitment to protecting citizens and reinforcing border systems through “partnership, mutual support, and shared understanding.” It comes alongside a series of strategic engagements during President Tinubu’s visit, which also produced a £746 million financing deal to modernise Apapa Port and Tin Can Island Port, two of Nigeria’s busiest seaports.
