The Federal Government of Nigeria and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their commitment to deeper collaboration on migration management and security investment, in a move both sides say is designed to reinforce national sovereignty strategies and strengthen bilateral ties.
The renewed partnership was formalised during high-level bilateral talks held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the Ministry of Interior in Abuja, where senior Nigerian officials received a delegation from the British Government led by the UK High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery.
Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who led the Nigerian delegation, said discussions centered on enhancing border control systems, strengthening intelligence-sharing frameworks, expanding legal migration pathways, and combating transnational criminal networks.
Speaking to journalists after the closed-door meeting, Tunji-Ojo emphasized that Nigeria’s approach to international cooperation is firmly anchored on the protection of national sovereignty and strategic interests.
“Every bilateral engagement must reflect Nigeria’s national priorities. Migration governance and internal security are critical pillars of our sovereignty, and we will continue to pursue partnerships that strengthen our institutional capacity while preserving our independence,” he said.
According to officials familiar with the discussions, both countries reviewed existing agreements under the UK–Nigeria Migration and Development Partnership framework. The platform, established to address irregular migration and promote safe mobility, has facilitated technical cooperation in border management, law enforcement coordination, and capacity building for immigration personnel.
The Nigerian delegation highlighted ongoing reforms within the Nigeria Immigration Service, including the expansion of biometric registration systems, digitalisation of passport processing, and deployment of advanced border surveillance technologies. The government also outlined efforts to curb human trafficking, document fraud, and irregular migration routes through enhanced inter-agency collaboration.
On security investment, talks focused on strengthening Nigeria’s counterterrorism infrastructure, maritime security operations in the Gulf of Guinea, and intelligence cooperation targeting organized crime networks operating across West Africa and Europe.
British officials reiterated their government’s commitment to providing technical assistance, training support, and targeted investments aimed at improving Nigeria’s border management systems. The UK side also stressed the importance of sustained dialogue to ensure migration policies remain balanced, humane, and consistent with international law.
Dr. Montgomery noted that the partnership reflects long-standing diplomatic ties between Abuja and London and acknowledged Nigeria’s role as a strategic partner in West Africa.
Security analysts say the reaffirmation of cooperation comes at a time when global migration patterns are evolving and governments are tightening regulatory frameworks. The United Kingdom has in recent years strengthened immigration controls, while Nigeria continues to seek structured agreements that protect its citizens abroad and safeguard domestic interests.
The talks also addressed the need to tackle the root causes of irregular migration, including unemployment, insecurity, and limited economic opportunities. Officials from both sides agreed that sustainable development, youth empowerment programmes, and economic investments remain crucial to long-term migration stability.
Sources within the Ministry of Interior disclosed that a joint technical implementation committee will be established to monitor progress on agreed initiatives, with periodic review meetings scheduled throughout 2026. A follow-up bilateral session is expected to take place in London later in the year.
Observers note that the renewed engagement aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s broader national sovereignty agenda, which prioritizes territorial integrity, internal security, economic resilience, and structured international partnerships.
Diplomatic sources describe the outcome of the Abuja meeting as a “recalibration rather than a reset,” emphasizing continuity in cooperation while adapting to emerging security and migration realities.
As Nigeria continues to navigate complex migration trends and cross-border security challenges, the strengthened partnership with the United Kingdom is expected to play a central role in shaping policy coordination between the two countries in the months ahead.
