The United Kingdom and Nigeria have unveiled a three-year strategic plan aimed at combating organised immigration crime and strengthening border security between both countries.
The initiative was formalised during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the UK, with officials from both nations reaffirming their commitment to closer cooperation on migration control and law enforcement.
In a joint statement, both governments declared: “We, the undersigned, announce our intention to expand cooperation to reduce organised immigration crime and the risks associated with it.”
They emphasised that migration and border management remain “a matter of significant importance” to both countries.
The agreement, signed by UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Nigeria’s Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, outlines measures to address visa abuse, improve legal frameworks, and deepen operational collaboration.
As part of the plan, Nigeria is expected to review its laws to impose stricter penalties for immigration-related offences, particularly those involving the use of fraudulent travel documents.
Both countries also agreed to strengthen the legal basis for prosecuting offenders and tighten regulations governing travel and visa documentation.
In addition, the partnership will enhance the UK–Nigeria Organised Immigration Crime Unit through new memoranda of understanding focused on operational coordination and data sharing.
The UK further pledged to support Nigeria with training and capacity-building initiatives for border security agencies, while both sides committed to protecting vulnerable migrants, particularly women and children.
The framework will also incorporate research, improved document verification systems, and continuous monitoring through the UK–Nigeria Migration, Justice and Home Affairs Dialogue.
Both governments described the agreement as a reflection of their shared commitment to safeguarding citizens through “partnership, mutual support and shared understanding.”
The development forms part of broader engagements during Tinubu’s UK visit, which has focused on strengthening bilateral relations across security, migration, and economic cooperation.
