Migration cooperation: Nigeria, EU move to finalise readmission deal

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Nigeria and the European Union have renewed efforts to strengthen migration cooperation, including moves to conclude the long-pending EU-Nigeria Readmission Agreement.

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The agreement, initiated in 2016, was a key focus of discussions between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, on Monday in New York.

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According to a statement issued and signed by the Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Foreign Affairs Minister, Magnus Eze, on Wednesday in Abuja, the meeting was held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly at the United Nations Headquarters.

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The statement said Brunner stressed the importance of concluding the Readmission Agreement, noting that its finalisation would provide a basis for broader cooperation between Nigeria and the EU on migration.

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The agreement was extensively discussed during the eighth Nigeria-EU Ministerial Dialogue in March 2026.

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“Commissioner Brunner stressed the importance of concluding the Re-Admission Agreement, which was initiated in 2016 and extensively discussed during the 8th Nigeria-EU Ministerial Dialogue in March 2026. He noted that its finalisation would provide a basis for broader cooperation between Nigeria and the EU on migration,” the statement said.

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In response, Odumegwu-Ojukwu underscored Nigeria’s interest in ensuring that migration cooperation incorporates reintegration support for returnees, infrastructure development assistance and expanded legal pathways for Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad.

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The statement added that Ojukwu “emphasised the importance of creating structured and lawful mobility opportunities, particularly for Nigeria’s large and youthful population, while ensuring that migration cooperation does not undermine the country’s development interests”.

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The EU delegation indicated that the concerns had been incorporated into the proposed framework and disclosed plans for a broader Migration and Security Cooperation Contract.

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“The proposed framework would cover strategic dialogue on local talent partnerships, mobility and legal pathways, reintegration of returnees, border management and support from the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex.

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“The cooperation would also explore a working arrangement for the exchange of information with Europol to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to combat transnational organised crime,” the statement further said.

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Brunner also highlighted the EU’s interest in developing legal pathways through talent partnerships, saying such arrangements could benefit both sides by addressing skills needs in Europe while creating opportunities for Nigerian professionals and helping to mitigate concerns over brain drain.

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The meeting further considered enhanced cooperation to combat irregular migration, with the EU commissioner stressing that progress in this area could facilitate greater opportunities for legal migration.

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Brunner expressed interest in continuing discussions with the minister during a proposed visit to Abuja in November 2026, with the specific date to be agreed by both sides.

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The engagement reflects Nigeria’s efforts to pursue a balanced migration partnership with the EU that addresses irregular migration and return, while expanding legal mobility, reintegration support, security cooperation and opportunities for Nigerian youth.

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