Irregular migration spikes in Nigeria with 848,000 visa overstayers identified

Nigeria is facing a rising irregular migration challenge, with about 848,000 visa overstayers currently in the country, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said.

Speaking on Politics Today, the minister said the figure was uncovered through the country’s recently upgraded immigration tracking system, which has improved the government’s ability to monitor foreign nationals residing in Nigeria.

Tunji-Ojo noted that visa overstays are a global issue, stressing that addressing the problem would help curb crimes such as human trafficking and smuggling. He added that Nigeria is working to strengthen bilateral cooperation with other countries to ensure the dignified return of individuals without legal residency status.

“Just as we have Nigerian overstayers in the UK, Nigeria is also facing the same challenge. As of this morning, through our upgraded system, we have about 848,290 visa overstayers in Nigeria. These are citizens of different countries residing in Nigeria,” he said.

The minister also dismissed claims that Nigeria could be compelled to accept foreign prisoners under its migration agreement with the United Kingdom, insisting that such an arrangement would not be tolerated.

According to him, the Nigeria–UK migration deal is based strictly on reciprocity and applies only to Nigerian nationals, including visa overstayers, failed asylum seekers, and convicted offenders abroad.

“I have seen reports suggesting that prisoners would be brought into Nigeria. This government will not tolerate such. There is no way this administration will sign that kind of agreement,” he stated.

Tunji-Ojo further revealed that the Federal Government has enhanced its capacity to track and apprehend visa violators through data gathered over the past decade and the operations of the Nigeria Immigration Service’s Integrated Operations Centre.

He maintained that Nigerians returned under the agreement would be treated with dignity and in line with their fundamental human rights, assuring that the deal does not disadvantage citizens.