The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting national sovereignty in migration management, strengthening security cooperation and expanding economic opportunities between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji‑Ojo, stated this yesterday while receiving the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, during a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Interior headquarters in Abuja.
Tunji‑Ojo said migration management remains a shared responsibility and a key pillar of Nigeria’s strategic security partnership with the United Kingdom. According to him, both countries are currently working toward finalising an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Migration and Returns aimed at ensuring efficient, lawful and humane migration processes.
The Minister welcomed the United Kingdom’s continued support in intelligence sharing, technical assistance and operational coordination, noting that migration justice collaboration between Nigeria and the UK has lasted for over two decades. He explained that the Federal Government was implementing reforms to modernise Nigeria’s immigration system, improve passport administration and facilitate legitimate mobility while safeguarding national security and economic interests.
Tunji‑Ojo further stressed the need to maintain a strategic balance between effective border control and economic development, adding that promoting credible investment aligns with the government’s broader economic reform agenda.
In his remarks, the British High Commissioner, Montgomery, commended Nigeria’s clear policy direction and emphasised the importance of predictable and efficient systems in achieving shared objectives. He described the engagement as professional, forward‑looking and solution‑driven.
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in migration management, security collaboration and economic growth.
By Palma Ileye, Abuja
