The Federal Government of Nigeria and the United Kingdom have signed three Memoranda of Understanding to strengthen bilateral cooperation across key sectors.
The agreements cover migration partnership, cooperation on organised immigration crime and border security, as well as a statement of intent on expanding business visas for UK companies operating in Nigeria.
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, signed two of the agreements on Wednesday and the third on Thursday on behalf of the Federal Government during engagements in the United Kingdom.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Babatunde Alao, in Abuja.
Tunji Ojo stated that the agreements reflect Nigeria’s commitment to a migration framework that is transparent and aligned with national interests and international obligations.
He noted that the partnership underscores a shared determination to establish a migration system that is safe, orderly and mutually beneficial.
The minister added that the focus in the coming year would be on achieving measurable progress and ensuring effective implementation, expressing optimism that the agreements would serve as a model for future bilateral engagements.
He acknowledged the existing working relationship between Nigeria and the UK Home Office, describing it as commendable.
“This relationship with the UK means a lot to us and you can see the level of commitment that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has put in,” Tunji Ojo said.
He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to protecting its citizens while ensuring that individuals who exploit legal pathways or engage in criminal activities are held accountable.
Speaking on the expansion of business visas for UK companies, the minister described the development as a significant step towards enhancing economic cooperation.
“Regarding visa agreement, personally as the Minister of Interior, I can tell you that I am very happy with this, because for us, this is what we have been looking forward to,” he said.
Tunji Ojo emphasised that in the pursuit of building a trillion dollar economy, Nigeria must remove trade barriers, including challenges associated with irregular migration.
“I want to assure you on behalf of Mr President and the great people of Nigeria, that we are open for endless possibilities of growth and socio economic development.
“So be rest assured that we will be true to this, we will swing into action and ensure all barriers are removed,” he added.
The UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, described Nigeria as a leading partner in bilateral relations, noting the significance of the agreements.
“We are obviously always having bilateral discussions with other countries, however, you will always be number one because you are the first to have gotten such an extensive agreement and we really do appreciate it.
“I think we both understand one another and I think we have a shared vision here for the work that our countries can do together and I really do appreciate it,” she said.
Also speaking, the UK Trade Envoy, Florence Eshalomi, said the agreement on expanding business visas presents clear benefits for both countries.
She described the strengthened partnership as a bold and strategic step that is vital for economic growth in Nigeria.
The Memorandum of Understanding on Migration Partnership establishes a comprehensive framework to promote safe, orderly and regulated migration between both countries, while reaffirming respect for national laws, international obligations and human rights.
In addition, the Statement of Intent on Cooperation on Organised Immigration Crime and Border Security outlines a three year strategic plan between the UK Home Office and Nigeria’s Ministry of Interior to combat criminal networks involved in irregular migration.
The agreement on the expansion of business visas introduces an enhanced scheme for UK companies seeking to operate in Nigeria, mirroring the United Kingdom’s existing processes for trusted Nigerian firms.
The scheme is expected to be open to credible UK based companies with verified business or investment interests in Nigeria, and is designed to ease mobility for legitimate business travellers between both countries.
