NIGERIA, EU CONCLUDE READMISSION AGREEMENT AFTER NEARLY A DECADE OF NEGOTIATIONS
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
Nigeria and the European Union (EU) have concluded negotiations on a Readmission Agreement aimed at addressing irregular migration, strengthening border security and improving migration management between both sides.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced this on Tuesday during a meeting with the EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, and his delegation at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
The agreement, which follows nearly 10 years of negotiations, provides a framework for the return of Nigerians who have no legal right to remain in EU member states, while ensuring that the process is carried out in an orderly and dignified manner.
Tunji-Ojo assured the EU delegation that Nigeria would meet its obligations under the agreement, adding that the Federal Government was strengthening its migration and border management systems through digital technology and improved identity verification.
He also called for increased international cooperation and information sharing to tackle human trafficking, migrant smuggling and other cross-border crimes.
Speaking at the meeting, Brunner described the agreement as an important step in Nigeria-EU relations, noting that the European Union was ready to deepen cooperation with Nigeria in border security, law enforcement and legal migration opportunities.
The EU delegation disclosed that about 260,000 Nigerians were legally resident in EU member states and announced that nearly €100 million in additional funding had been made available to support broader cooperation with Nigeria.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening migration management, combating cross-border crimes and creating safer and more organised migration opportunities.