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Our migration deal with UK –FG
The Presidency on Friday explained the recent migration deal he had with the United Kingdom.
There had been hues and cries about what the migration deal entailed.
Some argued that Nigeria had agreed to accept foreign deportees under a newly signed migration agreement with the United Kingdom.
But the Federal government has faulted the claim, explaining that there was no such clause, insisting that the deal strictly covers Nigerian citizens residing illegally in the UK.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, said the clarification became necessary amid what he described as widespread misinformation surrounding the agreement.
In a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, @TheTope_Ajayi, Ajayi explained that the pact, signed during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent State visit to the UK, is limited in scope and does not oblige Nigeria to receive non-citizens.
He stated that the agreement, executed by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of Nigeria, and the UK Home Secretary, Rt. Hon. Shabana Mahmood, for the British government, focuses solely on the return of Nigerians without legal residency status in the UK.
“For clarity, it is important to state that the agreement only relates to Nigerians who do not have legal status to live and remain in the UK,” Ajayi said.
He stressed that Nigeria would not accept deportees who are not its nationals, adding that the UK government is also not imposing such a condition.
“Nigeria is not taking back non-Nigerians. The UK government is not compelling Nigeria to take those who are not our citizens,” he added.
Ajayi noted that the clarification was prompted by the circulation of misleading narratives suggesting that Nigeria had entered into a broader deportation arrangement with the UK.
He further assured that the agreement provides guarantees for the humane treatment of returnees, in line with Nigerian laws and international standards.
According to him, Nigerians returned under the framework would retain the opportunity to reapply for entry into the UK in the future, subject to meeting immigration requirements.
Corroborating the Presidency’s position, the Ministry of Interior said the agreement establishes a structured system for the “dignified return and reintegration of Nigerians who do not have the legal right to remain in the UK.”
In a statement shared on social media, the ministry outlined key features of the arrangement, including the use of secure travel documentation, thorough identity verification on a case-by-case basis, and special protections for vulnerable persons, particularly victims of human trafficking.
The ministry also highlighted provisions for enhanced cooperation between Nigeria and the UK in areas such as information sharing, capacity building, training, and joint research on migration management and border security.
The Federal Government maintained that the agreement reflects a balanced and lawful approach to migration issues, while safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and the rights of its citizens.
A coalition of Lagos indigenous groups drawn from five Divisions of Lagos State at the weekend gathered in their thousands to drum up support for President Bola Tinubu’s bid for another term in office.
The groups hinged their support for the Tinubu administration’s reforms, which they claimed were already putting Nigeria back on the path of recovery.
The event was held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos. The Oba of Lagos, HRM Rilwan Akiolu, over ten white cap chiefs, many other traditional, religious leaders and political bigwigs were in attendance to grace the historic occasion.
In his welcome address, Renowned Lagosian and Convener, Chief Adesunbo Onitiri, said the gathering became expedient to “Honour one of our own who has risen to the highest office in the land.”
Onitiri declared: “I heartily welcome you all to this historic and significant occasion as we gather together to endorse and support the second term bid of our own son, leader, and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
“Today is more than a political gathering; it is a celebration of history, destiny, leadership, and the collective progress of Lagos State indigenes. We have come together as a coalition of indigenous Lagosians from the five IBILE divisions— Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island, and Epe— to honour one of our own who has risen to the highest office in the land.
“Recently, we convened an important summit in Surulere where we passionately called on all Lagos State indigenes to become more actively involved in governance and politics within our dear state. Today’s event is a continuation of that vision and a practical demonstration of our resolve to make indigenous participation stronger, more visible, and more impactful.
“For the very first time in Nigeria’s history, an indigene of Lagos State occupies the office of President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Beyond that, another distinguished Lagos indigene also heads one of the most important arms of government — the judiciary. This is a proud and historic moment for Lagos State and one that should unite us all in purpose and celebration.
“This moment, therefore, calls for greater unity among all indigenous communities across the five divisions of Lagos State. We must put aside every division, rivalry, and misunderstanding and embrace a common vision for the future of our State and our people.”
Onitiri pointed out that President Tinubu has devoted decades of sacrifice, political struggle, leadership, and nation-building to the growth of Lagos State and Nigeria.
“Today, it is our responsibility to stand firmly behind him and support the continuation of his Renewed Hope Agenda for the progress and stability of our nation.
“At the end of this ceremony, let us return to our communities and galvanise our people to take greater interest in politics, participate actively in governance, and come out massively to vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Onitiri pleaded.
He urged Lagosians that beyond politics, “let us further cement the unity of Lagos State indigenes. We have no other state we can truly call our own.
“The five IBILE divisions must continue to work together, stand together, and collectively hold our destiny firmly in our own hands. Only through unity, inclusion, and strategic cooperation can we preserve our heritage, strengthen our voice, and secure a better future for generations yet unborn.
“Together, we shall continue to build a stronger Lagos and a greater Nigeria”, Onitiri emphasised.
Following is the list of who is who at the ceremony: Dr Arc Lanre Towry Coker, Princess Adefulire Orelope, Dr Remi Desalu, Sir Shina Thorpe, HRM Oba Rilwan Akiolu, with over 10 white cap Chiefs, many traditional rulers from Badagry and Lagos, Hon Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye with many Local Govt chairmen, Hon Jimmy Benson, Hon Dr Samuel Ajose, Prince Tajudeen Olusi , Mr Kola James and many important political dignitaries from the five Divisions of Lagos State
Hon. Alhaji Maiyegun, Alhaji Olagbaiye, Hon Adediran Jandor were also present.
Despite mounting pressure from various quarters, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has stated that Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, will continue to hold her position as an ordained pastor in the church.
Adeboye made the clarification during the church’s monthly Holy Ghost Service, explaining that Mrs Tinubu was ordained as an Assistant Pastor more than a decade ago—well before her husband, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emerged as a presidential contender.
He noted that her ordination followed the church’s established procedures and emphasised that she had not violated any of its doctrines or regulations.
The cleric also dismissed calls from some quarters demanding that she be stripped of the title, stressing that the church would not yield to external pressure on internal matters.
Adeboye further rejected claims that the church is aligned with any political interest, reiterating that it remains a place of worship open to all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation.
He made the clarification during the May edition of the church’s Holy Ghost Service, themed ‘Excellent Counsel,’ where he responded to public perceptions linking the RCCG with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Adeboye said such assumptions overlook the diverse political representation within the church.
“Some people are saying RCCG is an APC church. I just smile. In RCCG, you will find a governor from the Peoples Democratic Party sitting down with a governor from the Labour Party, APC, and APGA.
“By the special help of God, we are representative of the whole nation, and that is what we will continue to be,” he said.
He stressed that the pulpit is not used for political expression, regardless of the status of worshippers present.
According to him, church activities are focused on prayer and worship rather than political engagement or announcements.
“If you saw one governor among us today dancing and you were expecting he would be called forward to say something, we don’t do that. But if you come to worship with us, you are welcome. Our duty is to pray for everybody,” he added.
The cleric also commented on Nigeria’s political future, particularly the 2027 general election, stating that ultimate outcomes are already known in the divine order.
“The one that will rule has been decided by God before we were born. He knows the end from the beginning,” he said, urging citizens to remain prayerful while fulfilling their responsibilities.
Adeboye further addressed his participation in past civic protests, explaining that his involvement was based on directives from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
“That was because the then chairman of CAN asked all Christians to go out for a peaceful protest. If he talks tomorrow and asks me to march, I will,” he said.
He emphasised that his public actions are guided by the umbrella Christian body on national issues affecting believers.
The Nigerian government has summoned the South African High Commission in Nigeria over ongoing protests in South Africa targeting foreign nationals, which have reportedly led to the killing of at least two Nigerians and attacks on Nigerian-owned businesses.
According to the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Nigeria), Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the Acting High Commissioner has been invited to a meeting scheduled for Monday, May 4, 2026.
Ebienfa stated that the most senior official at the South African mission in Abuja is expected to attend the meeting.
He explained that the engagement is intended to formally communicate the Nigerian government’s deep concern over the recent incidents, which could strain the longstanding cordial relations between Nigeria and South Africa.
The statement reads: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has extended an invitation to the Acting High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa for a meeting scheduled to take place on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
“The objective of this engagement is to formally convey the Nigerian Government’s profound concern regarding recent events that have the potential to impact the established cordial relations between Nigeria and South Africa.
“Discussions will primarily focus on the ongoing demonstrations by various groups within South Africa and the documented instances of mistreatment of Nigerian citizens and attacks on their businesses.
“The Ministry is aware of the growing discontent among Nigerians concerning the treatment of their nationals in South Africa. Nevertheless, it implores the Nigerian public to remain calm and reiterates the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of Nigerian citizens residing in South Africa.”
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