Nigeria and the United Kingdom have signed a series of strategic agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation on migration, justice, and organised crime prevention during the 2025 edition of the Nigeria-UK Migration, Justice, and Home Affairs (MJHA) Dialogue, held in Abuja.
The high-level meeting was co-chaired by Ambassador Asari E. Allotey for Nigeria and Ambassador Asim Hafeez for the UK. Senior officials from Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UK Home Office participated, building on the outcomes of the 2024 Dialogue in London.
According to a joint communique issued at the end of the session, both countries reaffirmed their shared commitment to managing migration, enhancing justice sector collaboration, and disrupting transnational criminal networks — all while upholding mutual accountability and human rights.
“Our collaboration is driven by common goals to manage migration effectively, promote justice, and counter criminality in all its forms,” the communique stated.
Migration and Visa Reforms
Key outcomes included a renewed commitment to the safe and dignified return of individuals with no legal right to remain in either country, under the framework of the 2022 Migration Returns Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The UK reiterated that returns remain a top priority for its government.
The two sides also agreed to deepen cooperation on visa reform, with discussions focusing on streamlining application processes through e-visa systems. The UK updated Nigerian officials on efforts to simplify business and visit visa categories and pledged support for enhancing transparency and efficiency.
“The UK is committed to promoting the rights and obligations of migrants using regular pathways,” the communique noted.
To curb visa abuse and irregular migration, both countries pledged to fast-track an MoU on Organised Immigration Crime, including capacity building for Nigerian border officers.
Joint Action on Organised Crime and Terrorism
A significant outcome of the dialogue was the agreement to launch a Strategic Serious Organised Crime Threat Analysis — the first of its kind in West Africa. This initiative will facilitate real-time intelligence sharing and coordinated strategies to tackle transnational crime.
Additionally, the UK officially handed over the Brighter Futures “PREVENT” Programme to Nigeria’s National Counter Terrorism Centre under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). The programme aims to steer at-risk youth away from criminal networks through education, mentorship, and community engagement.
“Nigeria is committed to building on the current momentum of the programme and will provide updates at the 2026 Dialogue,” the communique noted, urging continued UK support beyond March 2026.
Extradition, Prisoner Transfers, and Financial Crimes
Both countries agreed to enhance extradition processes and conduct quarterly review meetings to track progress. They also committed to updating the Prisoner Transfer Agreement in line with Nigeria’s Correctional Services Act (2019).
On tackling financial crimes, the UK reaffirmed its support for Nigeria’s efforts against money laundering and terrorism financing, using a Public-Private Partnership model. Both sides pledged to push for reform of global financial systems to curb illicit financial flows.
“Nigeria and the United Kingdom will continue to collaborate on detection, investigation, and prosecution of financial crimes,” the statement added.
Human Trafficking and Commodities Smuggling
Nigeria and the UK also agreed to develop a new MoU on Human Trafficking, and deepen cooperation on commodities smuggling, especially in the maritime domain. Relevant agencies, including the Nigerian Navy, Customs Service, and the NDLEA, will maintain regular dialogue with UK counterparts to enhance joint operations.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 MJHA Dialogue will be hosted by the UK, with both nations committing to annual consultations, alternating between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. These dialogues will track progress and identify new areas of cooperation.
“This historic collaboration underscores the enduring friendship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom,” the communique concluded. “Both governments remain committed to ensuring that migration and justice policies contribute to prosperity and security for all.”
