On 10 November, in Abuja, the EU and the Federal Republic of Nigeria signed a readmission agreement, marking an important step forward in their comprehensive partnership on migration and security.
The agreement establishes clear and effective procedures for the safe and orderly return and readmission of persons who do not, or no longer, fulfil the conditions for entry, presence or residence in their respective territories.
Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner represented the EU at the signing ceremony, while Nigeria was represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu. The Commissioner and his Nigerian counterpart agreed to intensify cooperation on migration and security.
Commissioner Brunner underlined that this agreement is part of a wider partnership on migration that also creates opportunities, prevents dangerous journeys and fights against human traffickers and smugglers.
The main objective of the EU-Nigeria readmission agreement is to establish rapid and effective procedures for identifying and returning people who have no right to stay in the territory of Nigeria or of an EU Member State. By providing an agreed framework for cooperation between the competent authorities, it will help make return and readmission procedures clearer and more predictable.
Respect for applicable national and international legislation is central to this cooperation. The agreement will support the safe and orderly implementation of readmission obligations, in full respect of the rights of the persons concerned.
The agreement forms part of the EU’s comprehensive approach to migration, security and forced displacement. Cooperation on return and readmission is one element of balanced partnerships that also encompass protection for those in need, support for host countries and communities, economic opportunities, stronger migration governance and legal pathways to Europe.
Next steps
Following today’s signature, the agreements will be submitted to the European Parliament for consent. The Council will then be able to formally conclude the ratification of the agreement. The agreement will enter into force on the first day of the second month following the notification of the conclusion by both parties.
Background
On 12 September 2016, the Council authorised the Commission to negotiate a readmission agreement with the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In its conclusions of October 2024, the European Council called for determined action to facilitate, increase and speed up returns, using relevant EU policies, instruments and tools. The obligation to readmit own nationals is also reflected in international instruments, including the Samoa Agreement with 77 African, Caribbean and Pacific countries.
The EU has in place formal readmission agreements or practical arrangements on return and readmission with 24 countries.
Further information, including the list of countries with which the EU has readmission agreements, is available here.
