UK and Nigeria sign landmark deals on migration, trade, and security cooperation
The UK and Nigeria have signed three new agreements to strengthen ties in migration, border security, and trade. The deals were finalised during President Bola Tinubu's state visit to London. Officials from both countries also announced plans to tackle fraud through a new joint task force.
UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, UK Trade Envoy Florence Eshalomi, and Nigeria's Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, signed the agreements. These include two Memoranda of Understanding and a Statement of Intent. The aim is to improve safe migration, ease trade barriers, and boost border security cooperation.
A new fraud fusion cell will focus on combating romance scams and cryptocurrency fraud. While details on specific measures remain unclear, existing joint operations between the UK's National Crime Agency and Nigerian Police have already led to over 400 arrests and the seizure of £7.5 million.
The agreements also simplify administrative processes. Nigeria will now recognise UK Letters as valid identification for the first time. Additionally, a business visa Statement of Intent seeks to remove trade barriers, making it easier for companies in both countries to access each other's markets.
Migration enforcement has already shown progress. Annual returns to Nigeria have nearly doubled, reaching 1,150 in the past year.
The new agreements mark a step toward deeper cooperation between the UK and Nigeria. They cover fraud prevention, trade expansion, and smoother migration processes. Officials have emphasised that these measures will build on existing joint efforts to improve security and economic ties.
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