Nigeria and EU Renew Push to Finalise Readmission Agreement, Expand Legal Migration Pathways

Nigeria and the European Union have renewed efforts to conclude the long-pending EU-Nigeria Readmission Agreement, with both sides pushing for a deal that would also expand legal migration opportunities for Nigerians.

The agreement, initiated in 2016, was the 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, on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Commissioner Brunner stressed the importance of concluding the agreement, noting that its finalisation would provide a basis for broader cooperation between Nigeria and the EU on migration.

In response, 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 these concerns had been incorporated into the proposed framework and disclosed plans for a broader Migration and Security Cooperation Contract.

The proposed cooperation 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.

The discussions also explored a possible working arrangement for information exchange with Europol, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to combat transnational organised crime.

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 the EU commissioner stressing that progress in this area could facilitate greater opportunities for legal migration.

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

The engagement reflects Nigeria’s continued 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.