Nigeria and the European Union have renewed efforts to strengthen migration cooperation, including moves to conclude the long-pending EU-Nigeria Readmission Agreement. The agreement was a key focus of discussions between Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The Readmission Agreement, initiated in 2016, aims to provide a basis for broader cooperation between Nigeria and the EU on migration. Brunner stressed the importance of concluding the agreement, according to a statement issued by the Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Foreign Affairs Minister, Magnus Eze. The statement said the meeting explored ways to enhance migration cooperation, including reintegration support for returnees and expanded legal pathways for Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad.
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. She 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.
The EU delegation indicated that Nigeria's concerns had been incorporated into the proposed framework and disclosed plans for a broader Migration and Security Cooperation Contract. 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.
Brunner 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. The meeting further considered enhanced cooperation to combat irregular migration, with Brunner stressing that progress in this area could facilitate greater opportunities for legal migration.
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. Brunner expressed interest in continuing discussions with Odumegwu-Ojukwu during a proposed visit to Abuja in November 2026, with the specific date to be agreed by both sides.
The eighth Nigeria-EU Ministerial Dialogue in March 2026 extensively discussed the Readmission Agreement, and both parties are working towards finalising the deal. 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.
Key points
- Nigeria and EU to conclude Readmission Agreement
- Agreement aims to provide basis for broader migration cooperation
- Nigeria, EU to enhance cooperation on migration, security issues
