UNGA: Nigeria, EU Set to Conclude Re-Admission Agreement

Nigeria and the European Union are moving towards concluding a long-pending Re-Admission Agreement as both sides seek to strengthen cooperation on migration, legal mobility and security.

The development followed discussions between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The agreement, which was initiated in 2016, is intended to provide a framework for the return and re-admission of people who no longer meet the conditions for entry, stay or residence in either Nigeria or EU member states.

Brunner stressed the importance of finalising the agreement, saying its conclusion would provide a basis for broader cooperation between Nigeria and the EU on migration.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu, however, emphasised Nigeria’s interest in ensuring that migration cooperation is balanced and supports the country’s development priorities.

She called for reintegration support for Nigerians who return to the country, infrastructure assistance and expanded legal pathways for Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad.

The discussions also covered a broader proposed Migration and Security Cooperation framework, which would address mobility, legal migration pathways, reintegration, border management and cooperation with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency.

Both sides also discussed stronger measures against irregular migration and transnational organised crime, including possible information-sharing cooperation with Europol.

The EU has expressed interest in developing talent partnerships that could create legal migration opportunities for Nigerian professionals while helping European countries address skills shortages.

Nigeria has also stressed the need for structured and lawful mobility opportunities for its large and youthful population, while seeking to ensure that migration partnerships do not undermine domestic development.

The two sides agreed to continue discussions, with Brunner expressing interest in visiting Abuja in November for further engagement.

The proposed agreement forms part of broader efforts by Nigeria and the EU to manage migration through cooperation on returns, legal mobility, reintegration, border security and economic opportunities.

The conclusion of the Re-Admission Agreement would mark a significant development in Nigeria-EU migration relations, following years of negotiations and consultations between both sides.