Nigeria: Govt Uncovers 840,290 Visa Overstayers in Nigeria - Tunji-Ojo

The Federal Government has disclosed that Nigeria currently has about 840,290 visa overstayers in the country.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, while speaking on Channels Television on Tuesday, said the figure was derived from the country's upgraded immigration tracking system, noting that the challenge is not limited to Nigerians abroad but also affects Nigeria significantly.

According to him, "as of today, through our upgraded system, we have about 840,290 visa overstayers in Nigeria. These are foreign nationals who have exceeded their permitted stay."

Explaining public concerns over Nigeria's renewed migration agreement with the United Kingdom, which some critics have described as unfavorable to the country, he said the agreement is a framework for cooperation based strictly on reciprocity and national interest.

"Effective governance is built on trust, and this administration will not take decisions that undermine Nigerians. This agreement is not about exporting problems but about working with partners to solve a global challenge," he said.

Providing clarity on the agreement, the Minister said: "It is not legally binding but serves as a procedural framework to ensure safe, orderly and dignified migration between both countries."

He further allayed fears that Nigeria could become a destination for deported persons from other countries, describing such claims as "misinformation."

"There is no provision anywhere that allows any country to dump prisoners or asylum seekers in Nigeria. That will never happen under this government," he said.

On the benefits of the arrangement, the Minister noted "that Nigerians abroad who are returned under the agreement would be treated with dignity, allowed to manage their assets, and have their rights protected.

"Both Nigeria and the United Kingdom would bear the cost of returning their respective nationals, in line with international best practices," he added.

Tunji-Ojo urged Nigerians to disregard misleading narratives, reiterating that the government remains committed to protecting national sovereignty while strengthening global partnerships.

Read the original article on Vanguard.