UK, Nigeria Strengthen Cooperation On Migration, Justice, Security

The United Kingdom and Nigeria have agreed on further steps to strengthen cooperation on migration, justice and security, building on the momentum created by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s State Visit to the UK in March 2026.

A statement issued on Tuesday by the British High Commission noted that this was the outcome of a meeting of senior officials from the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UK Home Office, who jointly chaired the annual UK-Nigeria Migration, Justice and Home Affairs Dialogue in London on 6 October.

The talks translated commitments made during the State Visit into practical areas of cooperation that benefit Nigeria and the UK, including tackling organised immigration crime and visa fraud, improving document verification and border management, supporting safe and dignified return and reintegration, and strengthening cooperation on extradition, asset recovery, prisoner transfer, cyber-enabled fraud and drug trafficking.

Nigeria receives the 3rd highest volume of UK student visas globally, and the 5th highest volume of work visas, making cooperation to protect legitimate travel and ensure those responsible for misusing the system are held to account especially important. The UK and Nigeria also agreed to support the development of Nigerian visa pathways for businesses looking to invest in Nigeria, delivering on a further State Visit commitment.

Ms. Vicky Seymour, British Deputy High Commissioner, said: “The UK-Nigeria partnership is delivering practical results on issues that matter to both our countries. Building on the momentum of President Tinubu’s State Visit, we are turning political commitments into action that benefits citizens in both our countries, from tackling visa fraud and organised immigration crime to strengthening border security and supporting safe and dignified return and reintegration.

“Our goal is simple: protect legitimate travellers, tackle those who abuse our systems and make both our countries safer.”

Also reacting, Dr Dunoma Umar Ahmed, The Nigerian Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said “Migration remains one of the most important and visible aspects of the UK-Nigeria relationship. This dialogue must both cover enforcement activities as well as ensuring meaningful opportunities for legal migration; and credible opportunities for pathways for legitimate migrants.

“The MJHA Dialogue is ultimately about strengthening the security, prosperity, and safety of our nations and citizens.”

Nigeria and the UK committed to jointly monitor progress against the commitments, with Nigeria set to host the next annual Migration, Justice and Home Affairs talks in 2027.