Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Federal Republic of Nigeria and the United Kingdom has signed three Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Migration Partnership, a Statement of Intent on Cooperation on Organised Immigration Crime and Border Security and a Statement of Intent on the Expansion of Business Visas for UK companies working with Nigeria. This was contained in a statement signed by Babatunde Alao, SA Media and Publicity to the Minister of Interior.
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, signed two of the MoU on Wednesday evening and the third on Thursday, while representing the Federal Government of Nigeria in the UK.
Tunji-Ojo said that the agreement reflects Nigeria’s commitment to a migration framework that is transparent and respectful of national interests and international obligations.
“This partnership is a testament to our shared determination to build a migration system that is safe, orderly, and mutually beneficial.
“We are not here to be diplomatic but to integrate and tell you that in the next year, all we want to be able to do is to reveal how far we have gone in being successful.
“And hopefully this will be a template for other bilateral understandings,” he said.
The minister acknowledged that Nigeria has an existing applaudable working relationship with the UK home office in Nigeria.
“This relationship with the UK means a lot to us, and you can see the level of commitment that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has put in,” Tunji-Ojo said.
Tunji-Ojo reiterated that Nigeria remained steadfast in its duty to protect citizens while ensuring that those who abuse legal pathways or engage in criminality are held accountable.
While signing on the expansion of business visas for UK companies, Tunji-Ojo said that following the bold reforms of President Tinubu, the use of visa serves as a catalyst for socio-economic development in Nigeria.
“Regarding visa agreement, personally as the Minister of Interior, I can tell you that I am very happy with this, because for us, this is what we have been looking forward to,” he said.
He emphasised that in building a trillion dollar worth economy, Nigeria must cut trade barriers such as barriers of irregular migration.
“I want to assure you on behalf of Mr. President and the great people of Nigeria that we are open for endless possibilities of growth and socio-economic development.
“So be rest assured that we will be true to this. We will swing into action and ensure all barriers are removed.
According to the UK Home Secretary, Rt Hon Shabana Mahmood, Nigeria will always be categorised as number one in successful bilateral relations.
“We are obviously always having bilateral discussions with other countries. However, you will always be number one because you are the first to have gotten such an extensive agreement, and we really do appreciate it.
“ I think we both understand one another, and I think we have a shared vision here for the work that our countries can do together, and I really do appreciate it,” the home secretary said.
During the signing of the third MoU, UK Trade Envoy, Florence Eshalomi stated that the agreement on expansion of business visas for UK companies has clear benefits for both countries.
Eshalomi attributed the heightened partnership as a bold step that is vital for economic growth for Africa’s largest and thriving economy; Nigeria.
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