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Nigeria has about 840,290 foreign nationals who have overstayed their visas in the country, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has said.
Tunji-Ojo disclosed this on Tuesday during an interview on Channels Television, explaining that the figure was obtained through the country’s upgraded immigration tracking system.
According to the minister, the issue of visa overstayers is not limited to Nigerians abroad but also affects Nigeria significantly.
“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,” he said.
Tunji-Ojo also addressed concerns surrounding Nigeria’s renewed migration arrangement with the United Kingdom, which some critics have described as unfavourable to Nigeria.
He explained that the agreement is based on cooperation and reciprocity between both countries and is intended to ensure safe and orderly migration.
“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 address a global challenge,” he said.
The minister clarified that the agreement is not legally binding but serves as a procedural framework to promote safe, orderly and dignified migration between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
“It is not legally binding but serves as a procedural framework to ensure safe, orderly and dignified migration between both countries.”
He also dismissed claims that Nigeria could become a destination for deported prisoners or asylum seekers from other countries, describing such reports 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.
Tunji-Ojo added that Nigerians who may be returned under the arrangement would be treated with dignity and allowed to manage their assets while their rights are protected.
According to him, both Nigeria and the United Kingdom will bear the cost of returning their respective nationals in line with international best practices.
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.
