**Nigeria and the UK Strengthen Cooperation on Migration Control and Security** The Nigerian government has signed a deal with the United Kingdom to receive deported failed asylum seekers and convicted criminals. This agreement was reached during President Bola Tinubu's state visit to the UK, as both countries deepen their cooperation on migration control and security. The deal was signed on Thursday, March 19, by Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of the Interior, and Shabana Mahmood, Home Secretary. Under the agreement, the Nigerian government will recognize UK letters, an identification document issued to individuals without a valid passport, allowing for the swift return of individuals. This change comes with wide flexibility for the UK, as it will be able to send visa overstayers to Nigeria without the need for emergency travel documents. The deal also includes provisions for the UK to send nearly 1,150 individuals to Nigeria annually, as part of the countries' shared commitment to safe, fair, and well-managed migration. The UK's Home Office announced the agreement, highlighting Nigeria's role as the UK's largest African visa market and home to thousands of Nigerians who have built their lives in the country. Speaking on the deal, Border Security and Asylum Minister Alex Norris stated: *"Nigeria is a key partner in our work to tackle illegal migration, as the UK's largest African visa market and home to thousands of Nigerians who have built their lives here. Anyone who abuses our systems, breaks our laws, or tries to cheat their way into Britain will be stopped and removed."* Minister Norris emphasized the UK's commitment to fairness and order at the border, stating: *"Today's agreement is another step in our mission to restore order to the border by ensuring those who have no right to be here are swiftly removed."* He added that Nigeria is a key partner in the UK's efforts to tackle illegal migration. On his part, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo expressed Nigeria's commitment to being a responsible country in fulfilling its core obligations. He stated: *"For us, as a country, we keep saying that we are totally committed to being a responsible country in fulfilling our core obligations. It is good that we are starting this with the UK."* Minister Tunji-Ojo emphasized the importance of the relationship between the two countries, noting that it is a shared commitment to safe, fair, and well-managed migration. The agreement marks a significant development in the countries' cooperation on migration control and security. Returns and deportations of illegal migrants and foreign criminals from the UK have reached nearly 60,000 since the 2024 election, a nearly doubling of annual returns to Nigeria.