Over 840,000 foreign nationals overstaying visas in Nigeria, says Tunji-Ojo
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has revealed that more than 840,000 foreign nationals are currently residing in the country after overstaying their visas.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Tuesday, the minister said the figure—put at 840,290—was uncovered through the Federal Government’s recently upgraded immigration data management system. He noted that irregular migration is not only a challenge faced by Nigerians abroad but also an issue Nigeria must address domestically.
“As of this morning, through our upgraded system, we have about 840,290 visa overstayers in Nigeria. These are citizens of different countries—almost a million people,” he said.
The minister’s comments come amid public debate surrounding a recent migration partnership agreement between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
On March 19, both countries signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at strengthening cooperation on migration management. Tunji-Ojo explained that the agreement is built on the principles of reciprocity and mutual benefit.
According to him, the partnership is designed to promote safe, legal, and well-regulated migration while enhancing joint efforts to combat irregular migration, human trafficking, and migrant smuggling.
He dismissed concerns that Nigeria had agreed to accept foreign prisoners or asylum seekers under the deal, clarifying that the agreement only provides for the return of citizens who no longer have legal residency rights in either country, in line with international immigration standards.
Tunji-Ojo added that the agreement would also help Nigeria better manage foreign nationals who overstay their visas while ensuring Nigerians returned from the UK are treated humanely.
