Nigeria, EU renew push for migration cooperation, readmission agreement

Nigeria and the European Union have renewed efforts to strengthen cooperation on migration, including moves to conclude the long-pending EU-Nigeria Readmission Agreement.

 

The agreement, initiated in 2016, was a major focus of discussions between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, in New York.

 

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly at the UN Headquarters.

 

According to a statement issued by the minister’s Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze, Brunner stressed the need to conclude the Readmission Agreement, saying its finalisation would provide a basis for broader cooperation on migration.

 

The agreement was also discussed during the eighth Nigeria-EU Ministerial Dialogue held in March 2026.

 

In response, Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed Nigeria’s interest in ensuring that migration cooperation includes reintegration support for returnees, infrastructure assistance and expanded legal pathways for Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad.

 

She also emphasised the need for structured and lawful mobility opportunities, particularly for Nigeria’s young population, while ensuring that migration policies do not undermine the country’s development interests.

 

The EU delegation said these concerns had been incorporated into a proposed broader Migration and Security Cooperation Contract.

 

The proposed framework would cover talent partnerships, legal mobility pathways, reintegration of returnees, border management and support from the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex.

 

It would also explore arrangements for information sharing with Europol to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to combat transnational organised crime.

 

Brunner expressed the EU’s interest in developing talent partnerships that could address skills shortages in Europe while creating opportunities for Nigerian professionals and reducing concerns over brain drain.

 

The two sides also discussed stronger cooperation against irregular migration, with Brunner saying progress in that area could help facilitate greater opportunities for legal migration.

 

The EU commissioner expressed interest in continuing discussions during a proposed visit to Abuja in November 2026, with the exact date to be agreed by both sides.

 

The renewed engagement is expected to focus on irregular migration and return, while also expanding legal mobility, reintegration support and security cooperation.