By Gabriel Ameh
Nigeria and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening collaboration on migration management, justice reform, and the fight against serious and organised crime.
This renewed partnership followed the successful conclusion of the 2025 Nigeria–United Kingdom Migration, Justice, and Home Affairs (MJHA) Dialogue, held on Tuesday, October 8, in Abuja.
The meeting, co-chaired by Ambassador Asari E. Allotey for Nigeria and Ambassador Asim Hafeez for the United Kingdom, built on progress achieved during the previous Dialogue held in London in March 2024.
Strengthening Migration Management and Returns
Under the first two pillars of the Dialogue, both nations reaffirmed their operational partnership on the safe and dignified return of individuals without legal residence rights in either country. The two governments also agreed to enhance cooperation under the 2022 Migration Returns Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The UK briefed Nigeria on its ongoing efforts to streamline visa applications through the rollout of electronic visas (e-visas) and simplified processes for business visitors. Nigeria, in turn, provided updates on its e-visa development initiative. Both sides committed to ensuring that migrants entering through regular routes are fully aware of their rights and responsibilities under national laws.
In tackling visa abuse and irregular migration, the Dialogue resolved to develop and sign a new MoU on Organised Immigration Crime, expanding upon earlier agreements reached in 2024. The UK also pledged increased capacity-building support for Nigerian immigration crime units to enhance border security and prosecution effectiveness.
Advancing Security and Justice Cooperation
A key outcome of the Dialogue was the agreement to jointly develop a Nigerian Strategic Serious and Organised Crime (SOC) Threat Analysis, the first of its kind in West Africa. The initiative aims to facilitate intelligence sharing, joint threat assessments, and coordinated responses in line with the UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UNTOC).
In a symbolic gesture of continued partnership, the UK formally handed over the Brighter Futures Prevent Programme to Nigeria’s National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser. The initiative seeks to steer at-risk youth away from organised crime through empowerment and resilience-building. Nigeria pledged to expand the programme nationwide and appealed for sustained UK support beyond 2026.
Streamlining Extradition and Prisoner Transfers
Both countries committed to enhancing extradition processes and mutual legal assistance to ensure that offenders face justice. The UK and Nigeria also agreed to continue implementing the Prisoner Transfer Agreement, with Nigeria proposing an update to align it with the Nigerian Correctional Service Act (2019).
The working forum under the extradition pillar will oversee clarifications on detention standards, timelines, and compliance with UK court requirements for extradition cases.
Combating Human Trafficking and Illicit Finance
The Abuja Dialogue also produced fresh commitments to strengthen joint efforts against human trafficking, maritime smuggling, and illicit finance. Nigeria and the UK agreed to develop a new MoU on Human Trafficking and expand inter-agency cooperation among customs, naval, and anti-narcotics units to counter cross-border crimes.
On financial crimes, the UK reaffirmed its support for Nigeria’s initiatives to boost anti–money laundering and counter–terrorism financing frameworks. Both nations also pledged to champion reforms in international financial systems to combat kleptocracy and safeguard development resources.
Looking Ahead
The two governments reaffirmed their determination to deliver on all agreed priorities and to jointly track implementation ahead of the next annual Dialogue in the United Kingdom in 2026.
