The federal government of Nigeria and the United Kingdom have signed three memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

The agreements cover a migration partnership, cooperation on organised immigration crime and border security, and a statement of intent to expand business visas for UK companies operating in Nigeria.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, signed two of the MoUs on Wednesday and the third on Thursday on behalf of the federal government in the UK, according to a statement by his media aide, Babatunde Alao.

Mr Tunji-Ojo said the agreements reflected Nigeria’s commitment to a migration framework that is transparent and aligned with national interests and international obligations.

The minister said the partnership underscored a shared determination to build a migration system that is safe, orderly and mutually beneficial.

He added that the focus over the next year would be on achieving measurable progress and effective implementation, expressing hope that the agreements would serve as a model for future bilateral cooperation.

Mr Tunji-Ojo acknowledged that Nigeria had an existing, commendable working relationship with the UK Home Office.

“This relationship with the UK means a lot to us, and you can see the level of commitment that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has put in,” Mr Tunji-Ojo said.

He reiterated that Nigeria remained steadfast in its duty to protect citizens while ensuring that those who abuse legal pathways or engage in criminality are held accountable.

While signing on the expansion of business visas for UK companies, Mr Tunji-Ojo said that, following Mr Tinubu’s bold reforms, the use of visas serves as a catalyst for socio-economic development in Nigeria.

Mr Tunji-Ojo emphasised that, in building a trillion-dollar economy, Nigeria must cut trade barriers, including those on irregular migration.

The UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said Nigeria will always be categorised as number one in successful bilateral relations.

“We are obviously always having bilateral discussions with other countries; however, you will always be number one because you are the first to have gotten such an extensive agreement, and we really do appreciate it.

“I think we both understand one another, and I think we have a shared vision here for the work that our countries can do together, and I really do appreciate it,” the home secretary said.

During the signing of the third MoU, UK trade envoy Florence Eshalomi stated that the agreement to expand business visas for UK companies would bring clear benefits to both countries.

Ms Eshalomi attributed the heightened partnership as a bold step, vital for economic growth in Nigeria.

The MoU on Migration Partnership establishes a comprehensive framework for promoting safe, orderly, and regulated migration between the two countries, while reaffirming full respect for national laws, international obligations, and human rights.

In addition, the Statement of Intent on Cooperation on Organised Immigration Crime and Border Security establishes a three-year strategic plan between the UK Home Office and Nigeria’s Ministry of Interior (Nigeria) to combat criminal networks that profit from irregular migration.

The MoU on the Expansion of Business Visas for UK Companies Working with Nigeria announces the expansion of the Business Visa Scheme for UK companies seeking to conduct business in Nigeria, mirroring the UK’s existing enhanced processes for trusted Nigerian companies.

The scheme will be open to credible UK-domiciled firms with verified business or investment interests in Nigeria and is designed to facilitate easier mobility for legitimate business travellers between the two countries.

(NAN)