Nigeria Has Over 840,000 Visa Overstayers – Interior Minister

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has disclosed that more than 840,000 foreign nationals are currently in Nigeria with expired visas.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Tuesday, the minister said the figure was obtained through the country’s upgraded immigration system, noting that irregular migration is a challenge that affects Nigeria as much as it does other nations.

“As of this morning, through our upgraded system, I can tell you that the number of overstayers that we have… we have about 840,290 visa overstayers in Nigeria. These are citizens of different countries in Nigeria, almost a million,” Tunji-Ojo said.

The revelation comes amid public debate over a migration agreement recently signed between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

On March 19, the two countries signed three Memoranda of Understanding on Migration Partnership. The minister defended the pact, stressing that it is based on reciprocity and mutual cooperation.

According to Tunji-Ojo, the MoU seeks to establish a framework for regulated and safe migration while strengthening collaboration against irregular migration, human trafficking, and smuggling.

He clarified that Nigeria is not agreeing to accept foreign prisoners or asylum seekers. Instead, the agreement covers the return of nationals who no longer have the legal right to remain in either country, in line with international immigration laws.

The minister also said the cooperation would benefit Nigeria in managing foreign overstayers within its borders, while ensuring dignified treatment for Nigerians who may be returned from the UK.

He noted that past deportations often lacked dignity, with returnees sent back with only their personal belongings. Under the new agreement, he said, returnees would have their rights protected.

“As I told you, it is based on reciprocity. In the past, people were deported without dignity. They returned with only their personal belongings. But this agreement ensures that Nigerians, even when returned, have rights,” Tunji-Ojo said.

“That is Article 8 of the agreement. It speaks about return rights. Returnees will at all times be treated with respect and dignity, with due regard to their fundamental human rights and gender considerations, promoting reciprocal and non-discriminatory treatment of nationals of both parties.”