The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed three Memoranda of Understanding with the United Kingdom covering migration partnership, border security, and expansion of business visas for UK companies operating in Nigeria.
These agreements were signed by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who represented the Federal Government during engagements in the UK.
The MoUs include a Migration Partnership framework, a Statement of Intent on cooperation against organised immigration crime and border security, as well as an agreement on expanding business visas.
Tunji-Ojo said the deal reflects Nigeria’s commitment to a transparent and structured migration system.
UK Trade Envoy, Florence Eshalomi and Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji Ojo
“This partnership is a testament to our shared determination to build a migration system that is safe, orderly, and mutually beneficial,” he said.
The minister emphasised that Nigeria is focused on achieving measurable outcomes from the agreement within a short timeframe.
“We are not here to be diplomatic… in the next one year all we want to be able to do is to reveal how far we have gone in being successful,” he stated.
He added that the agreement could serve as a model for future bilateral partnerships.
Tunji-Ojo acknowledged the longstanding collaboration between Nigeria and the UK, particularly with the UK Home Office, describing it as “applaudable.”
He also credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for driving stronger bilateral engagement.
“This relationship with the UK means a lot to us… you can see the level of commitment that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has put in,” he said.
On the expansion of business visas, the minister described the agreement as a key step toward economic growth.
He noted that easier visa access for UK businesses would enhance trade and investment flows into Nigeria.
“For us, this is what we have been looking forward to,” Tunji-Ojo said.
He added that reducing barriers, including irregular migration challenges, is essential to achieving Nigeria’s ambition of building a trillion-dollar economy.
The UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, described Nigeria as a leading partner in bilateral relations.
“You will always be number one because you are the first to have gotten such an extensive agreement,” she said.
She added that both countries share a common vision for strengthening cooperation.
UK Trade Envoy, Florence Eshalomi, said the visa expansion agreement would deliver mutual economic benefits.
She described the partnership as a bold step toward enhancing economic growth, particularly for Nigeria as Africa’s largest economy.
Tunji-Ojo reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to protecting its citizens while ensuring that individuals who exploit legal pathways or engage in criminal activities are held accountable.
He assured that the government would take concrete steps to implement the agreements and remove barriers to growth and cooperation.
The agreements mark a significant step in Nigeria–UK relations, particularly in migration management, security collaboration, and economic integration.