Nigeria records over 840,000 visa overstayers, says Interior Minister

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, has revealed that more than 840,000 foreign nationals are currently residing in Nigeria beyond the validity of their visas.

Tunji-Ojo disclosed this on Tuesday during an interview on Channels Television, stating that the figure was obtained through the country’s recently upgraded immigration data system.

He noted that irregular migration is not a challenge faced only by Nigerians abroad, but also a growing issue within Nigeria’s borders.

According to the minister, the system shows that approximately 840,290 foreign nationals from various countries have overstayed their visas, a figure he described as “almost a million.”

The revelation underscores the scale of migration management challenges facing the country and highlights the need for stronger monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.

The minister’s comments come amid heightened public scrutiny over Nigeria’s recent migration agreement with the United Kingdom.

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On March 19, both countries signed three Memoranda of Understanding under a broader Migration Partnership framework aimed at improving cooperation on migration-related issues.

Defending the agreement, Tunji-Ojo emphasised that the deal is rooted in reciprocity and mutual benefit.

“The partnership is designed to promote safe, orderly, and legal migration between Nigeria and the UK, while strengthening joint efforts to combat irregular migration, human trafficking, and migrant smuggling”, he explained.

He dismissed concerns that Nigeria had agreed to accept foreign prisoners or asylum seekers from the UK, clarifying that the agreement strictly covers the return of nationals who no longer have the legal right to remain in either country.

Such returns, he said, would be conducted in accordance with international immigration laws and established protocols.

The minister further noted that the agreement provides an opportunity for Nigeria to better manage foreign nationals within its territory, including those who have overstayed their visas.

At the same time, it offers safeguards for Nigerians who may be returned from the UK, ensuring that their rights are protected.

Tunji-Ojo stressed that one of the key provisions of the agreement guarantees humane treatment for returnees.

He explained that, unlike in the past when deported individuals often returned under difficult conditions, the new framework ensures that Nigerians are treated with dignity and respect.

He pointed to Article 8 of the agreement, which focuses on return rights, stating that it mandates fair and non-discriminatory treatment of nationals from both countries.

According to him, the provision ensures that returnees are handled with due regard to their fundamental human rights and gender considerations.