Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo
Elegbede Abiodun
Nigeria now has the ability to track visa overstayers through improved data systems.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has disclosed that more than 840,000 foreigners are currently overstaying their visas in Nigeria, describing it as a major migration concern.
Speaking on Channels Television, he said, “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 explained that irregular migration is a global issue that requires collaboration between countries, adding that addressing visa overstays can help reduce crimes like human trafficking and smuggling.
On the Nigeria–UK migration agreement, Tunji-Ojo dismissed claims that foreign prisoners would be transferred to Nigeria, stating, “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 clarified that the agreement is based on reciprocity and applies strictly to Nigerian nationals. According to him, Nigerians returned under the deal would be treated with dignity and in line with their rights, stressing that “no Nigerian stands to lose from the agreement.”
The minister also noted that the Federal Government has strengthened its ability to track visa overstayers through improved data systems and the operations of the Nigeria Immigration Service.
The agreement was signed during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the UK, with the aim of speeding up the return of Nigerian overstayers and strengthening cooperation on issues such as visa fraud, cybercrime, and other cross-border offences.
