Nigeria and the European Union (EU) have signed a landmark readmission agreement that will establish procedures for returning Nigerians who no longer have the legal right to remain in European member states, bringing nearly a decade of negotiations to a conclusion.
The agreement was signed in Abuja on November 10, 2026, by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, during the latter’s official visit to Nigeria.
The deal establishes a reciprocal framework for identifying and returning individuals who do not fulfil the conditions for entry, presence or residence in either Nigeria or an EU member state.
The European Union Delegation to Nigeria announced the agreement, describing it as a significant milestone in the migration partnership between both parties.
What Agreement Means for Nigerians in Europe
Under the agreement, Nigeria will be required to readmit eligible Nigerian citizens whose applications to remain in Europe have been rejected, whose visas have expired or who otherwise no longer have lawful residence in an EU member state.
However, the agreement does not mean that all Nigerians living in Europe are at risk of deportation.
Nigerians with valid visas, residence permits or other lawful grounds to remain in European countries are not automatically affected by the arrangement.
Individual return decisions must also follow applicable legal procedures and protections.
The agreement is reciprocal, meaning European Union nationals who no longer have the legal right to remain in Nigeria can also be returned to their respective countries under the same framework.
Nigeria Seeks Migration Cooperation
Beyond facilitating the return of undocumented migrants, Nigeria has called for a broader migration partnership that would create more opportunities for its citizens.
During the September discussions, Odumegwu-Ojukwu advocated reintegration assistance for Nigerians returned from Europe, infrastructure support and expanded legal migration pathways for Nigerians seeking employment and other opportunities in European countries.
The Ministry of Interior also disclosed that the European Union had made almost €100 million in additional funding available for broader migration and security cooperation.
Further discussions are expected to cover border management, human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
Despite the signing, the readmission agreement is not yet in force as it must complete the applicable European Union approval procedures, including obtaining the consent of the European Parliament, before it can take effect.
