Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, has dismissed reports suggesting that the recent migration agreement between Nigeria and the United Kingdom permits the transfer of foreign criminals to Nigeria.
The agreement, signed during President Bola Tinubu’s recent state visit to the UK, is one of three accords aimed at enhancing cooperation on migration management, border security, and economic development.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, Tunji-Ojo clarified that the deal concerns only Nigerians who are out of status in the UK. He cited Article 7 of the agreement: “the parties will work together to secure the dignified return of their nationals who do not or who no longer have the right to enter or remain in that country.”
“I have seen some things in the media where some people are saying that they want to go and bring prisoners from all over the world and dump in Nigeria. This government is not going to tolerate something like that. There is no way this government, under this president, will sign that sort of agreement; it’s never going to be done,” the Minister said.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized that Nigerians have nothing to fear, noting that the agreements are based on international reciprocity and are designed to address irregular migration collaboratively.
“Why do I say there is nothing to be worried about? These agreements have opened a vista of opportunities for collaboration… Partnership is needed to bring all hands together to solve this problem,” he added.
The Minister also noted that Article 8 of the agreement guarantees that returnees will be treated with respect and dignity, with due regard to their fundamental human rights. He stressed that the deal is a “50-50” arrangement and is distinct from the controversial Rwanda asylum plan, excluding family members and ensuring that each case is handled according to specific legal conditions.
Tunji-Ojo reassured that the government operates transparently, with the press release from Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga summarizing key sections of the agreement.
