UK, Nigeria Forge Closer Ties With Landmark Agreements On Migration, Security & Trade

The United Kingdom and Nigeria have today signed a trio of landmark agreements, bolstering cooperation on migration, border security and trade during President Bola Tinubu’s State Visit.

The deals – comprising two Memoranda of Understanding and a Statement of Intent – signal a commitment from both nations to a transparent, safe and mutually beneficial migration system, alongside efforts to reduce barriers to trade and investment.

The agreements were signed by UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, UK Trade Envoy Florence Eshalomi, and Nigeria’s Minister of Interior Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

A key element of the new framework sees Nigeria formally recognise UK Letters as valid identification, streamlining administrative processes and demonstrating growing trust between the two governments.

Returns to Nigeria have already increased significantly, nearly doubling to 1,150 annually, as part of a wider effort to uphold the integrity of both nations’ immigration systems.

The Statement of Intent concerning business visas is expected to unlock new opportunities for companies in both the UK and Nigeria, fostering job creation and investment.

Nigeria’s Interior Minister described the move as “essential to building a trillion-dollar economy,” highlighting the potential for increased investment from the UK, a global financial hub.

Both countries have also pledged to tackle international criminal networks exploiting vulnerable individuals in the UK and Nigeria. A new ‘fraud fusion cell’ – bringing together law enforcement, banks, tech companies and communications providers from both nations – will facilitate rapid intelligence sharing to disrupt romance fraud, investment scams and cryptocurrency-related crime. Collaborative efforts have already yielded over 400 arrests and the seizure of £7.5 million, with joint operations between the National Crime Agency and the Nigerian Police uncovering significant fraud networks.

Speaking on the agreements, UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated: “Nigeria is a vital partner for the UK. These agreements reflect a shared commitment to managing migration fairly and firmly, while opening up trade and investment opportunities that will benefit both our economies.”

UK Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Alex Norris, added: “Anyone who abuses our systems, breaks our laws, or tries to cheat their way into Britain will be stopped and removed.

Today’s agreements are another step in our mission to restore order to the border by ensuring those with no right to be here are swiftly removed.

Nigeria is a key partner in this work, as the UK’s largest African visa market and home to thousands of Nigerians who have built their lives here.”

Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, hailed the partnership as “a testament to our shared determination to build a migration system that is safe, orderly, and mutually beneficial.

Hopefully this strengthened partnership will be a template for other bilateral understandings.”

UK High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, concluded: “These agreements mark a significant step forward in the UK-Nigeria partnership, built on mutual respect, shared interests, and a commitment to working together on the issues that matter most to both our countries.”

In a separate meeting held on Thursday, UK Home Office Minister for State Rt. Hon. Lord Hanson of Flint met with Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice Chief Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to review progress on a previous Memorandum of Understanding focused on fraud prevention.