Nigeria and the United Kingdom signed three formal agreements during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the UK, the first such visit by a Nigerian head of state since 1989. The agreements cover a migration partnership, cooperation on organised immigration crime and border security, and the expansion of business visas for UK companies operating in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, signed the documents on behalf of the Federal Government, with two signed on Wednesday, 18 March, and the third on Thursday, 19 March. On the UK side, the agreements were reached with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and UK Trade Envoy Florence Eshalomi.
Agreement 1: Migration Partnership
The MoU on Migration Partnership establishes a comprehensive framework for promoting safe, orderly, and regulated migration between both countries, while reaffirming full respect for national laws, international obligations, and human rights.
A key practical change under this deal is that ‘UK letters’, an alternative identification document issued to individuals without a valid passport, will now be recognised by the Nigerian government for the first time. The agreement removes one of the major administrative hurdles to returning people, meaning the UK will no longer have to wait for emergency travel documents to be issued by Nigeria.
Agreement 2: Organised Immigration Crime and Border Security
The Statement of Intent on Cooperation on Organised Immigration Crime and Border Security establishes a three-year strategic plan between the UK Home Office and Nigeria’s Ministry of Interior to combat criminal networks that profit from irregular migration.
The agreement outlines a comprehensive framework to tackle visa abuse, strengthen legal systems, and improve operational collaboration. Under the plan, Nigeria will review its legal framework to ensure stricter penalties for immigration-related offences, particularly those involving false document production. Both countries also pledged to expand the legal basis for prosecuting offenders and tighten regulations surrounding travel and visa documentation.
Agreement 3: Expansion of Business Visas
The MoU on the Expansion of Business Visas for UK companies working with Nigeria announces the expansion of the Business Visa Scheme for UK companies seeking to conduct business in Nigeria, mirroring the UK’s existing enhanced processes for trusted Nigerian companies. The scheme will be open to credible UK-domiciled firms with verified business or investment interests in Nigeria and is designed to facilitate easier mobility for legitimate business travellers between the two countries.
Context
The agreements form part of a broader partnership agreement with six pillars, building on existing agreements and dialogues. Nigeria is the UK’s 36th largest trading partner, with trade in goods and services amounting to £8.1 billion annually. The state visit of the Nigerian President to the UK also produced a £746 million financing deal to modernise Lagos ports at Apapa and Tin Can Island.
