Nigeria and UK Ink Deal to Fast-Track Deportation of Failed Asylum Seekers and Criminals
Nigeria has agreed to a major new partnership with the United Kingdom that will significantly speed up the return of Nigerians who have no legal right to remain in Britain, including convicted criminals, failed asylum seekers and visa overstayers. The agreement, struck during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s landmark state visit to the UK this week – the first by a West African leader in 37 years – removes a key administrative barrier to deportations. For the first time, the Nigerian government will recognise “UK letters”, an alternative identification document issued by the Home Office to individuals without a valid passport. This eliminates the previous requirement for Nigeria to issue emergency travel documents, allowing faster removals. The deal was signed by UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. UK Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Alex Norris, welcomed the pact, saying: “Anyone who abuses our systems, breaks our law...