Nigeria and the United Kingdom have signed three bilateral agreements to deepen cooperation on migration management, security, and trade. The Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were formalised in London, with Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, signing on behalf of the Federal Government.
The agreements establishes a formal Migration Partnership, creates a three-year strategic plan to jointly combat organised immigration crime and enhance border security, and outlines a commitment to expand business visa access for UK companies operating in Nigeria. The visa expansion mirrors the UK’s existing trusted trader scheme and aims to facilitate legitimate business travel.
Minister Tunji-Ojo described the partnership as reflecting Nigeria’s commitment to a transparent migration framework aligned with national interests and international obligations. He emphasised that the focus will be on measurable implementation over the coming year, stating the agreements could serve as a model for future cooperation. He linked the visa initiative to broader economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu, noting that easing trade barriers is essential for building Nigeria’s trillion-dollar economy.
“We are open for endless possibilities of growth,” Tunji-Ojo said, pledging to remove barriers to socio-economic development.
UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood affirmed the strategic importance of the relationship, stating Nigeria remains a top bilateral partner. “You are the first to have gotten such an extensive agreement,” she said, highlighting a shared vision for collaborative work.
UK Trade Envoy Florence Eshalomi called the business visa expansion a vital step for economic growth in Africa’s largest economy, benefiting both nations.
The Migration Partnership MoU provides a comprehensive framework for safe, orderly, and regulated movement, reaffirming respect for national laws and human rights. The security agreement specifically targets criminal networks profiting from irregular migration.
The signing follows an existing “applaudable” working relationship between Nigeria’s Ministry of Interior and the UK Home Office. Both sides framed the agreements as a significant upgrade in a strategic partnership aimed at fostering mutual prosperity and security.
