UNGA: Nigeria, EU Push To Conclude 10-Year-Old Migration Re-Admission Deal

Nigeria and the European Union have renewed efforts to conclude the long-pending Re-Admission Agreement, as both sides seek to deepen cooperation on migration, legal mobility and security.

The renewed push followed a meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, on Monday, September 21, 2026, on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The EU Commissioner stressed the importance of concluding the agreement, which was initiated in 2016 and has remained under negotiation for about a decade.

Brunner recalled that the proposed agreement was extensively discussed during the eighth Nigeria-EU Ministerial Dialogue in March 2026, saying its conclusion would provide a framework for broader cooperation between Nigeria and the EU on migration.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu, however, stressed that any migration partnership must take Nigeria’s development interests into account, particularly through reintegration support for returnees, infrastructure assistance and expanded legal pathways for Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad.

The minister emphasised the need for structured and lawful mobility opportunities for Nigerians, particularly the country’s large youthful population, while ensuring that migration cooperation does not contribute to development challenges such as brain drain.

The EU delegation said 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 talent partnerships, legal mobility pathways, reintegration of returnees, border management and support from the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex.

Nigeria and the EU also discussed strengthening cooperation against transnational organised crime through a proposed working arrangement for information exchange with Europol.

Brunner said the EU was interested in developing talent partnerships that could address skills shortages in Europe while creating opportunities for Nigerian professionals.

He noted that structured legal migration channels could provide benefits to both sides and help address concerns surrounding irregular migration and the loss of skilled professionals.

The meeting also focused on measures to combat irregular migration, with the EU commissioner stressing that progress in addressing irregular migration could help create greater opportunities for legal migration.

Brunner expressed interest in continuing discussions with the foreign minister during a proposed visit to Abuja in November 2026, with the date expected to be agreed by both sides.

The engagement took place against the backdrop of Nigeria’s efforts to develop a more comprehensive migration partnership with the EU, balancing cooperation on return and irregular migration with legal mobility, reintegration, security and opportunities for Nigerian citizens.

The discussions also underscored the increasing importance of migration in Nigeria-EU relations, particularly as both sides seek to link mobility arrangements with skills development, economic opportunities and cooperation against transnational crime.