How Nigeria, UK signed migration, trade, security deals during Tinubu’s state visit

THE United Kingdom and Nigeria have signed three landmark agreements aimed at deepening cooperation on migration, border security and trade during the state visit of Bola Tinubu.

The agreements, comprising two Memoranda of Understanding and a Statement of Intent, were signed by UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, UK Trade Envoy Florence Eshalomi, and Nigeria’s Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. They are designed to promote a more transparent migration system while boosting trade and investment flows between both countries.

A key feature of the agreements is a new framework to facilitate business travel, expected to reduce barriers for companies in both countries and open access to new markets. Nigerian authorities say the move aligns with the government’s broader ambition to build a trillion-dollar economy through increased foreign investment and trade partnerships.

On migration, Nigeria will now recognise UK-issued identification letters for the first time, simplifying administrative processes tied to returns and reinforcing cooperation between both governments. Annual returns to Nigeria have nearly doubled to 1,150, reflecting tighter coordination on immigration enforcement.

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Transnational crimes

Both countries also agreed to strengthen joint efforts against transnational crime, particularly fraud. A new ‘fusion cell’ will bring together law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, technology firms and telecommunications companies to enable real-time intelligence sharing. The initiative targets criminal networks involved in romance fraud, investment scams and cryptocurrency-related crimes.

Authorities said existing UK-Nigeria collaboration has already led to more than 400 arrests and the seizure of £7.5 million, following joint operations involving the UK’s National Crime Agency and Nigerian law enforcement.

Speaking on the agreements, Mahmood described Nigeria as ‘a vital partner’ and said the deals reflect a shared commitment to managing migration while unlocking economic opportunities. UK Border Security Minister Alex Norris added that the partnership would help ensure those who abuse immigration systems are swiftly removed.

Safe migration system

Mr Tunji-Ojo, on his part, said the agreements demonstrate a mutual commitment to building a migration system that is “safe, orderly, and mutually beneficial,” adding that the framework could serve as a model for other bilateral partnerships.

UK High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Richard Montgomery, described the agreements as a significant step forward, built on shared interests and cooperation.

Separately, UK Home Office Minister Lord Hanson of Flint met with Nigeria’s Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu at Lancaster House in London to review progress on an existing fraud prevention agreement signed last year.

Officials said the meeting focused on assessing outcomes and outlining next steps in the joint fight against financial crime.

Immigration, border control agreements affect Nigerians only

Meanwhile, the Nigerian government clarified on Friday that the immigration agreement signed by Tunji- Ojo affects only Nigerians who do not have legal status to live and remain in the UK.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media, Tope Ajayi, said the clarification became necessary following speculation that the Nigerian government was being compelled to take non- Nigerians.

“Nigerian government is not taking back non-Nigerians. The UK government is not compelling Nigeria to take those who are not our citizens. This clarification becomes necessary because of those who have already revved up their misinformation machinery,” he said.

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He said the agreement guarantees that returnees who are citizens of Nigeria will be treated with dignity, rights retention under domestic law, and may re-enter in the future if they meet the applicable immigration requirements.

He explained further that the agreement also provides detailed arrangements “for the dignified return and reintegration of Nigerians who do not have the legal right to remain in the UK.”

“This arrangement includes: the use of secured travel documentation, case-by-case identity verification, and safeguards for vulnerable individuals and potential victims of trafficking,” he explained.

“This framework also sets out clear definitions, scope, and areas of cooperation, including; information sharing, capacity building, training, and joint research on migration management and border security.”