Following a decade of complex bilateral negotiations, Nigeria and the European Union (EU) have formally concluded a historic readmission deal to manage irregular migration and establish reciprocal returns for undocumented residents.
The deal was signed in Abuja by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner.
The readmission deal between Nigeria and the EU establishes clear framework standards for identifying and repatriating individuals residing without legal authorization in either region, while unlocking fresh European investment in West African border infrastructure, digital identification, and counter-trafficking enforcement.
Meanwhile, the terms do not affect Nigerians in Europe with valid visas or residence permits, ensuring individual legal protections.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that the negotiations began in 2016 and gained renewed momentum during the eighth Nigeria-EU Ministerial Dialogue in March 2026. The two sides also discussed the agreement during a September meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The European Union Delegation to Nigeria announced the signing, describing it as a major milestone in the longstanding migration partnership between both sides.
The agreement establishes procedures for identifying and returning people who no longer fulfil the conditions for entry, presence or residence in an EU member state.
It also requires Nigeria to readmit eligible Nigerian citizens whose applications to remain in Europe have been rejected, whose visas have expired or who otherwise lack lawful residence.
It is reciprocal, meaning EU nationals who no longer have the legal right to remain in Nigeria can also be returned under the arrangement.
The agreement does not apply to every Nigerian living in Europe. People with valid visas, residence permits or other lawful grounds to remain are not automatically affected. Individual returns must also follow applicable legal procedures and protections.
Ahead of the signing, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo met Brunner and his delegation to discuss implementation.
According to the Ministry of Interior, Tunji-Ojo said Nigeria was modernising its migration and identity systems to make nationality verification easier and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to honouring the agreement.
Nigeria had sought to make migration cooperation broader than the return of irregular migrants. During the September discussions, Odumegwu-Ojukwu pushed for reintegration support for returnees, infrastructure assistance and expanded legal migration pathways for Nigerians seeking opportunities in Europe.
The Interior Ministry said the EU had also made almost €100 million in additional funding available for broader migration and security cooperation, with further discussions planned on border management, human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
However, the agreement must complete the applicable EU approval process, including European Parliament consent, before entering into force.
