Nigeria and the United Kingdom have entered into a series of new agreements covering deportations, visa processes, criminal justice cooperation, and financial crime prevention at the 2025 Migration, Justice, and Home Affairs Dialogue (MJHA).
The high-level meeting, held in Abuja on Wednesday, brought together delegations from both countries and culminated in the signing of a joint communiqué by Ambassador Asari Allotey for Nigeria and Ambassador Asim Hafeez for the United Kingdom. The communiqué was made available to journalists on Friday.
A major highlight of the dialogue was a renewed commitment by both nations to facilitate the return of individuals without legal status in each other’s territories.
“Returning those who no longer have a legal right to remain in the UK is a top priority for the UK Government,”
the UK delegation emphasized in the statement.
Officials from both sides commended the progress recorded under the 2022 Migration Returns Memorandum of Understanding, pledging to deepen cooperation to ensure that all returns are conducted safely, with dignity and respect.
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Visa Reforms and E-Visa Collaboration
On visa processes, the UK delegation briefed Nigerian authorities on the progress of its e-visa rollout and promised further support for Nigerian business travelers.
According to the communiqué,
“The UK committed to updating Nigerian stakeholders on the e-visa rollout to all visa categories at the next MJHA.”
Nigeria, in turn, pledged to share updates on the development of its own e-visa platform, aimed at complementing the UK’s digital visa system and strengthening mutual travel facilitation.
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Joint Front Against Organised Crime and Irregular Migration
Both governments also agreed to sign a new Memorandum of Understanding on Organised Immigration Crime, targeting irregular migration and transnational syndicates.
The UK pledged to expand its training programmes for Nigerian immigration officers, enabling broader capacity-building and improved border management.
The communiqué described the proposed Strategic Serious Organised Crime Threat Analysis as a landmark initiative — the first of its kind in West Africa — reflecting the shared commitment of both nations to combat organised criminal networks.
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Counter-Terrorism and Youth Empowerment
In a major development, the UK formally handed over the Brighter Futures PREVENT Programme to Nigeria’s National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC). The initiative focuses on diverting vulnerable youths from radicalisation and organised crime.
Nigeria expressed its readiness to sustain the momentum of the programme beyond its initial March 2026 timeline and provide regular progress updates during the next dialogue session.
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Extradition, Prisoner Transfer, and Human Trafficking
On extradition matters, both sides agreed to streamline procedures to ensure that criminals do not evade justice across jurisdictions. The UK also committed to sharing information with its courts on Nigeria’s detention and prison conditions, with quarterly monitoring meetings to be instituted.
Discussions on prisoner transfer agreements led to Nigeria’s call for a review in line with the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019, ensuring clarity on transfer timelines, detention conditions, and legal procedures.
In tackling human and commodity trafficking, Nigeria and the UK resolved to strengthen inter-agency cooperation, particularly in maritime operations, and draft a new MoU focused on combating trafficking networks.
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Financial Crime and Illicit Funds
On financial integrity, the UK reaffirmed its commitment to assist Nigeria’s efforts against illicit financial flows and pledged support for a new Public-Private Partnership on Financial Crime.
Both countries agreed to jointly push for reforms in global financial systems to combat money laundering, regulate enablers of kleptocracy, and strengthen transparency within international financial centres.
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The communiqué concluded with both delegations describing the dialogue as “a significant step forward in advancing bilateral cooperation across migration, justice, and security.”
The next Nigeria–UK Migration, Justice, and Home Affairs Dialogue will take place in the United Kingdom in 2026.
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