Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting national sovereignty in migration matters, strengthening security cooperation, and expanding economic opportunities between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo made this known while receiving the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, and his delegation during a courtesy visit to the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
The Minister emphasized that migration management remained a shared responsibility and a critical pillar of Nigeria’s strategic security partnership with the United Kingdom.
He disclosed that both countries are currently working to finalise an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Migration and Returns, reflecting a shared commitment to efficient, lawful, and humane migration processes.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo welcomed the United Kingdom’s continued cooperation in intelligence sharing, technical support, and operational coordination, noting that migration justice collaboration between Nigeria and the UK has spanned more than twenty years.
He stressed that Nigeria remains committed to ongoing reforms aimed at modernising the nation’s immigration system, enhancing passport administration, and facilitating legitimate mobility, while safeguarding national security and economic interests.
He further reaffirmed Nigeria’s resolve to strike a strategic balance between effective border control and economic development, adding that facilitating credible investment aligns with the Federal Government’s broader economic reform agenda.
In his remarks, the British High Commissioner, Dr. Richard Montgomery, commended Nigeria’s clear policy direction and acknowledged the importance of predictable and efficient systems in achieving shared objectives. He described the engagement as professional, forward-looking, and solutions-oriented.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation in areas of migration management, security collaboration, and economic growth.
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