JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
By Victor Osula, Abuja
The federal government has made it clear that Nigeria will only receive its citizens under the immigration deal with the United Kingdom, firmly rejecting claims of any agreement to accept foreign deportees.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, who made this known, dismissed reports that Nigeria had agreed to accept foreign deportees under the newly signed immigration deal, stressing that the deal strictly covers Nigerian citizens residing illegally in the United Kingdom.
In a statement published on his handle
“For clarity, it is important to state that the agreement only relates to Nigerians who do not have the legal status to live and remain in the United Kingdom,” Ajayi said, adding that the clarification was necessary amid widespread misleading narratives suggesting that Nigeria has entered into a broader deportation agreement with the United Kingdom.
“Nigeria will not take back non-Nigerians. The UK government is not forcing Nigeria to take in those who are not our citizens,” he stressed.
Reaffirming the humane provisions of the agreement, Ajayi noted that “the framework provides for the dignified return of affected persons in line with Nigerian laws and international standards.”
According to him, Nigerians repatriated under the deal would still have future opportunities, stressing that “interested persons could reapply to enter the UK, provided they meet the required immigration conditions”.
Confirming the Presidency’s position, the Home Office said the agreement establishes a structured system for the “dignified return and reintegration of Nigerians who have no legal right to remain in the UK”.
The ministry, in a statement shared on social media, outlined the agreement’s key features, including secure travel documentation, case-by-case identity verification and protection for vulnerable people, especially victims of human trafficking.
It also highlighted provisions for increased bilateral cooperation in information sharing, capacity building, training and joint research on migration management and border security.
The federal government has argued that the agreement reflects a balanced and legitimate approach to migration issues, while safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and the rights of its citizens.
Post views:
71
