The Nigerian Government and the United Kingdom have signed three agreements aimed at deepening cooperation on migration, border security, and business engagement.
The accords include a Memorandum of Understanding on Migration Partnership, a Statement of Intent on Cooperation on Organised Immigration Crime and Border Security, and a Statement of Intent on the Expansion of Business Visas for UK companies operating in Nigeria.
A statement on Thursday by the Minister of Interior’s media aide, Babatunde, also said the agreements were signed by the minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Wednesday and Thursday in the UK, representing the Nigerian government.
Speaking during the signing, Tunji-Ojo described the agreements as a reflection of Nigeria’s commitment to a migration framework that is transparent and respectful of 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. We are not here to be diplomatic but to integrate and tell you that in the next year, all we want to be able to do is to reveal how far we have gone in being successful. “And hopefully this will be a template for other bilateral understandings,” he said.
The minister highlighted Nigeria’s strong working relationship with the UK Home Office and said the expansion of business visas would act as a catalyst for socio-economic growth, following reforms introduced under President Bola Tinubu.
He noted that reducing barriers to legal migration and trade is key to building a trillion-dollar economy.
UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, praised the partnership, saying Nigeria would “always be categorised as number one in successful bilateral relations” due to the extensive nature of the agreements.
Meanwhile, UK Trade Envoy Florence Eshalomi stated that the business visa agreement will yield clear benefits for both countries and described the heightened partnership as a bold step critical for Nigeria’s economic growth.
The three agreements are expected to strengthen collaboration on migration management, combat organised immigration crime, and facilitate easier business engagement between the UK and Nigeria.
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