The Federal Government has clarified the terms and scope of the migration partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, dismissing widespread claims that the agreement compels Nigeria to accept foreign nationals.

The clarification follows a wave of misinformation trailing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on immigration cooperation signed during President Bola Tinubu’s recent state visit to the UK.

According to the Presidency on a statement, the MoU, executed by Nigeria’s Minister of Interior and the UK’s Secretary of State for the Home Department, aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation on safe, orderly, and regulated migration, while addressing irregular migration and related offences in line with domestic laws and international obligations.

Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in the statement issued on Saturday, stressed that nowhere in the 12-page agreement is Nigeria required to admit non-Nigerians.

Rather, the framework strictly applies to the return of verified nationals of either country, following multiple layers of identification and authentication. Where errors occur, such individuals are to be returned to the requesting country at its expense.

The agreement provides for the dignified return of citizens who no longer have legal grounds to remain in the other country, with explicit guarantees for the protection of their human rights and fundamental freedoms.

It also mandates law enforcement agencies in both countries to safeguard the welfare of their citizens and manage migration-related risks.

A key provision allows returnees to travel with their legally acquired personal belongings, marking a shift from previous practices where deported persons often returned without assets.

In addition, the MoU guarantees sufficient time for returnees to arrange the transfer or disposal of their property before departure.

The framework further recognises the rights of individuals with pending legal or human rights claims, requiring that such cases be duly considered, particularly where the individuals have long-standing ties or face reintegration challenges in their home country.

Detailed procedures for repatriation are outlined, including pre-departure and arrival identification checks, coordination between both countries, and the use of scheduled or chartered flights. Provisions also allow for expedited returns based on biometric verification or supporting identity documentation.

Crucially, the Presidency underscored that Nigeria retains full sovereignty over its documentation process.

The Nigeria Immigration Service remains solely responsible for issuing travel documents and handling all related procedures, independent of any UK-issued return letters.

The MoU also provides safeguards in cases of mistaken identity, requiring the requesting country to readmit any wrongly returned individual at its own cost within stipulated timelines.

In terms of reintegration, the agreement outlines a structured support system for returnees, including immediate assistance such as reception and accommodation, medium-term support like access to services and family reunification, and long-term opportunities through education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship programmes.

The agreement is valid for an initial five-year period, subject to renewal, in line with similar migration arrangements signed between both countries in 2012, 2017, and 2022.

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, the Presidency urged media organisations to seek proper clarification on complex policy issues to prevent the spread of misinformation.