Nigeria and the United Kingdom have signed three major agreements covering migration, border security, and business visas during President Tinubu’s state visit to London.
The Nigeria/UK MoU migration border security visas agreements cover migration partnership, cooperation on organised immigration crime, and an expansion of business visas for UK companies operating in Nigeria.
Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo signed two of the agreements on Wednesday and the third on Thursday, making it the most comprehensive bilateral migration framework Nigeria has ever concluded with any country.
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The MoU on Migration Partnership establishes a comprehensive framework for promoting safe, orderly and regulated migration between both countries aligned with national interests and international obligations.
Tunji-Ojo said the deals “reflect Nigeria’s push for a transparent, rules-based migration system that is safe, orderly and mutually beneficial,” adding that they would help tackle “abuse of legal pathways” while strengthening border control.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UK Home Office have taken positive steps toward agreeing a stronger relationship on extradition, creating smoother and faster processes to ensure criminals do not enjoy impunity in either jurisdiction.
Tunji-Ojo said:
“The focus over the next year will be on achieving measurable progress and effective implementation — and I hope these agreements will serve as a model for future bilateral cooperation.”
Border Security
The Statement of Intent on Cooperation on Organised Immigration Crime and Border Security establishes a three-year strategic plan between the UK Home Office and Nigeria’s Ministry of Interior to combat criminal networks that profit from irregular migration.
The UK pledged continued security support at Lagos and Abuja airports and committed to exploring further maritime and border security support.
Both countries agreed to co-develop a Joint Framework focused on combating cyber-attacks, disinformation, and malicious use of artificial intelligence alongside disrupting transnational organised crime and financial fraud.
The UK committed to expand training for officers in the Organised Immigration Crime Unit to enable wider coverage and cascading of knowledge for enhanced responsiveness across Nigeria.
Business visa
The MoU on the Expansion of Business Visas for UK companies working with Nigeria announces the expansion of the Business Visa Scheme for UK companies seeking to conduct business in Nigeria, mirroring the UK’s existing enhanced processes for trusted Nigerian companies.
The scheme will be open to credible UK-domiciled firms with verified business or investment interests in Nigeria.
Tunji-Ojo noted that the MoUs were also expected to enhance trade and ease business mobility, supporting the Federal Government’s broader economic ambitions.
The minister said:
“Regarding the visa agreement, personally as the Minister of Interior, I can tell you that I am very happy with this. For us, this is what we have been looking forward to.”
Therefore, the Nigeria UK MoU migration border security visas business visa component directly removes a longstanding barrier to UK-Nigeria trade and investment mobility.
Significance
The Nigeria UK MoU migration border security visas package signals a fundamental reset in how both nations manage their shared priorities.
The UK and Nigeria reaffirmed commitment to deepening all aspects of their Strategic Partnership, including further strengthening the Migration, Justice, and Home Affairs Dialogue through which cooperation on border security, irregular migration, and countering shared criminal threats are coordinated.
