The Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has revealed that over 840,000 foreigners are currently overstaying their visas in Nigeria, describing the situation as a major migration challenge.
The minister said the figure—exactly 848,290—was obtained through Nigeria’s upgraded immigration tracking system. He noted that irregular migration is a global issue requiring international cooperation, and addressing visa overstays is crucial to curbing crimes like human trafficking and smuggling.
Tunji-Ojo also clarified that the recently signed Nigeria–UK migration agreement applies strictly to Nigerian nationals, ensuring “dignified returns” and excluding foreign prisoners or family members. He stressed that the Federal Government has strengthened its capacity to track and apprehend overstayers through data collected over the past decade and the operations of the Nigeria Immigration Service’s Integrated Operations Centre and Network Operations Centre.
The agreement with the UK, signed during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit, aims to fast-track the return of Nigerian visa overstayers, failed asylum seekers, and convicted offenders in the UK while enhancing cooperation against visa fraud, cybercrime, and other transnational crimes.
