Nigeria Not Dumping Ground For Foreign Prisoners – Tunji-Ojo

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has dismissed concerns that Nigeria’s recent migration agreement with the United Kingdom could turn the country into a dumping ground for foreign prisoners, insisting that the deal is strictly based on reciprocity and national interest.

Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television on Tuesday, Tunji-Ojo said the agreement is a “cooperation framework” designed to manage migration between both countries and ensure the dignified return of nationals who violate immigration laws.

“There’s nothing to be worried about,” the minister said. “This agreement is based on an international diplomatic model of reciprocity… Nigeria is not interested in exporting problems to any part of the world. We want to solve our problems and put our house in order.”

His remarks come amid growing public scepticism over the deal, with some Nigerians fearing it could mirror controversial arrangements like the UK-Rwanda asylum policy or lead to the deportation of foreign prisoners into Nigeria.

Rejecting such claims, Tunji-Ojo was emphatic: “This government will not tolerate something like that. There’s no way this government under this president will sign that sort of agreement. It’s never going to be done.”

He clarified that the agreement only covers the return of Nigerian nationals who are either overstayers or have lost their immigration status in the UK. “What this agreement talks about are Nigerians who are overstayers or who are out of status in the United Kingdom,” he said.

The minister also dismissed allegations of hidden clauses, stressing that the document is transparent. “Absolutely nothing is hidden. Everything is in the agreement. If anybody insinuates that, you are accusing us of smuggling,” he said.

According to him, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is not legally binding but serves as a procedural framework to guide cooperation between both countries. “It’s a cooperation framework based 100 per cent on reciprocity,” he explained.

Tunji-Ojo further revealed that Nigeria faces its own migration challenges, disclosing that there are over 840,000 visa overstayers currently in the country. “As of today… we have about 840,290 visa overstayers in Nigeria,” he said, noting that irregular migration is a global issue requiring collaboration.

On the return process, the minister explained that only verified Nigerian citizens would be accepted, with strict identification procedures in place. “The returning person must be a bona fide national,” he said, adding that Nigerian Immigration Service officials would confirm identities before any repatriation.

He also addressed concerns about a five-day window for processing deportations, clarifying that it applies mainly to identity verification using biometric data. “The five working days is for us to authenticate that data… that should not be a problem,” he said.

Highlighting benefits of the agreement, Tunji-Ojo noted that it guarantees humane treatment and rights for returnees. “Returnees will at all times be treated with respect and dignity, with due regard to their fundamental human rights,” he said.

He added that deported Nigerians would now have the opportunity to manage their assets before returning home. “Every returnee will be given ample opportunity to make adequate arrangements for the transfer or disposal of his or her assets,” he stated.

The agreement also provides for reintegration support, including accommodation, counselling, and access to employment or education opportunities upon return.

Addressing concerns about accountability, given the non-binding nature of the MoU, the minister pointed to diplomatic norms. “International relations is built on reciprocity… it’s not a parasitic relationship,” he said, adding that Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs would ensure compliance.

On broader visa concerns, particularly for Nigerian students, Tunji-Ojo clarified that visa policies remain the sovereign right of each country and were not directly altered by the agreement.

He maintained that the deal would ultimately improve trust between both nations and create better migration management systems. “There is no Nigerian that has anything to fear,” he said.

The minister also brushed aside political concerns raised during the interview, including tensions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State and opposition threats ahead of the 2027 elections. “APC in Ondo State is strong… all is well,” he said.

Responding to claims that opposition parties could unseat the ruling party, Tunji-Ojo dismissed them with a rhetorical remark: “Do you stop a man who is asleep from dreaming? Let them dream.”

He reiterated that his primary focus remains his responsibilities as Interior Minister. “Mr President has given me a huge responsibility… and that’s all that matters to me,” he said.