Nigeria and the United Kingdom have reached a new agreement to facilitate the return of Nigerian nationals who have failed to secure asylum, committed criminal offences, or overstayed their visas in the UK.

The development was announced on Thursday by the UK Home Office following high-level engagements during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to the United Kingdom.

Under the arrangement, both countries will strengthen cooperation on migration enforcement, enabling UK authorities to deport individuals who no longer have legal grounds to remain in the country.

Reports indicate that approximately 961 Nigerian asylum seekers in the UK have exhausted all available legal appeals and have been deemed ineligible for refugee status. In addition, about 1,110 Nigerian nationals with criminal convictions are currently awaiting deportation, according to UK authorities.

The agreement is also expected to cover Nigerian citizens who have overstayed their visas, further broadening its scope beyond asylum and criminal cases.

The move reflects ongoing efforts by the UK government to tighten immigration controls, while reinforcing bilateral cooperation with Nigeria on migration management and border security.