On Tuesday, Nigeria’s Federal Government announced that it has integrated more than 17 billion migration records into a single, automated system, a move aimed at speeding up the verification of people being readmitted from the European Union. The integration comes as the government has also closed a decade‑long negotiation with the EU on a readmission agreement that will formalise the return of Nigerians who lack legal status in member states.
Interior Minister Hon. Olubunmi Tunji‑Ojo revealed the new system at a meeting with EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner and his delegation. “The automation and integration of identity databases will help the authorities verify the nationality of people being returned to Nigeria more quickly and accurately,” Tunji‑Ojo said, citing the Ministry’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Mary Ali, as the source of the announcement.
The minister outlined three categories of individuals who may be subject to readmission: those holding valid Nigerian travel documents, those who travelled with documents that were later lost or destroyed, and those who travelled without any identification. He added that Nigeria is developing systems to establish the identities of such persons through available national records.
Similar arrangements are already in place with the United Kingdom, while discussions are underway with the United States to replicate the system. “The agreement is significant for facilitating the return of Nigerians with no legal grounds to remain in EU member states and for promoting a more orderly, dignified and mutually beneficial migration management system,” Tunji‑Ojo said.
On border security, the minister called for stronger international collaboration and real‑time information sharing to combat human trafficking, migrant smuggling and other cross‑border crimes. He also highlighted progress in correctional service reforms, noting that the number of repeat offenders fell from about 13 000 in 2023 to roughly 1 600 the previous year.
EU Commissioner Brunner described the finalisation of the agreement as a “significant development in Nigeria‑EU relations” and praised Nigeria’s efforts to modernise its border security architecture. He said the EU was ready to deepen collaboration through its border management agency, with police cooperation, anti‑trafficking, and the creation of legal migration pathways identified as key areas for sustained engagement. Brunner also noted that about 260 000 Nigerians are legally resident in the EU and stressed the importance of expanding opportunities for safe and regular migration.
EU delegation member Jonannes Lucher acknowledged that negotiations had not been easy, noting that Nigeria sought to include other areas of cooperation such as anti‑drug trafficking and legal migration pathways. He confirmed that the EU has made almost €100 million available to support broader cooperation, with talks scheduled to begin with Nigerian migration and security officials. The meeting concluded with both sides committing to strengthen cooperation, build mutual trust and develop practical solutions to shared migration and security challenges.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
