The United Kingdom and Nigeria have agreed to strengthen cooperation in tackling visa fraud, organised immigration crime, extradition and asset recovery as part of efforts to enhance border security and combat transnational crime.
The agreement was reached at the annual UK-Nigeria Migration, Justice and Home Affairs Dialogue held in London on October 6, according to a statement by the UK High Commission.
The meeting, jointly chaired by senior officials of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UK Home Office, focused on implementing commitments made during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the UK in March 2026.
Discussions covered document verification, border management, the safe and dignified return and reintegration of migrants, prisoner transfers, cyber-enabled fraud and drug trafficking.
Both countries also emphasised the need to protect legitimate travellers while addressing abuses of the immigration system, noting that Nigeria has the third-highest volume of UK student visas globally and the fifth-highest volume of work visas.
The two countries further agreed to support the development of Nigerian visa pathways for businesses seeking investment opportunities in Nigeria, in line with commitments made during the state visit.
British Deputy High Commissioner, Ms Vicky Seymour, said the partnership was translating political commitments into practical measures that would benefit citizens of both countries.
Seymour said the cooperation would strengthen border security, tackle immigration-related crimes and support the safe and dignified return and reintegration of migrants.
She added that the objective was to protect legitimate travellers, hold those who abuse immigration systems accountable and enhance security in both countries.
Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Dunoma Umar Ahmed, also highlighted the important role of migration in bilateral relations.
