ABUJA, Nigeria / AfricaWire.IO / – The European Union and Nigeria have signed a readmission agreement to speed up the identification and return of people without legal residence rights. The deal was signed in Abuja on Tuesday, November 10, by Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, and Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu. The ceremony took place during Brunner’s official visit to Nigeria. The agreement also aims to strengthen cooperation on migration and security.
According to the European Commission, the agreement sets rapid and effective procedures for identifying and returning people who have no right to stay in Nigeria or an EU member state. It covers people who do not, or no longer, meet the conditions for entry, presence or residence. The Commission said it will make return and readmission procedures clearer and more predictable. Respect for national and international law is central to the cooperation, it added.
Brunner described Nigeria as a key partner for Europe and said ties between the two sides are growing stronger. “Together we are turning dialogue into concrete action,” he said, according to BusinessDay. He called the pact a significant achievement for both partners and a new chapter in EU-Nigeria cooperation. The Commission said the deal is part of a wider partnership that also creates opportunities, prevents dangerous journeys and fights traffickers and smugglers.
New dialogue on migration and security
The EU and Nigeria also launched a Senior Officials Dialogue on Migration and Security to strengthen bilateral coordination. Brunner and his Nigerian counterpart agreed to intensify cooperation in both areas. Odumegwu-Ojukwu praised both sides for their commitment during the 10-year negotiation process, Nigeria’s information ministry said. She stressed Nigeria’s commitment to the welfare, safety and dignified return of its citizens. The EU has also given Europol a lead role in the fight against migrant smuggling and trafficking.
The Council of the EU authorised the Commission to negotiate the agreement on September 12, 2016. The deal forms part of wider EU efforts to accelerate returns of people without legal residence rights. The EU now has formal readmission agreements or practical arrangements on return and readmission with 24 countries. In October 2024, EU leaders called for action to facilitate, increase and speed up returns.
European Parliament consent needed
The agreement requires the consent of the European Parliament before the Council of the EU can formally conclude its ratification. It will enter into force on the first day of the second month after both parties notify each other that the process is complete. The deal follows new EU rules on returns, which the Council adopted on October 1, 2026. Those rules aim to make returns of people with no right to stay more effective.
Migration management remains a priority for the bloc despite a drop in illegal border crossings in 2025. Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country and a major partner for the EU in West Africa. The Commission said the agreement will support the safe and orderly return and readmission of people. The new senior officials dialogue will serve as a forum for cooperation across migration and security.