Migration cooperation: Nigeria, EU move to finalise readmission deal

Nigeria and the European Union are working towards finalising the EU-Nigeria Readmission Agreement, which has been under discussion since 2016. During a meeting in New York on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, emphasised the importance of concluding the agreement, stating that it would provide a basis for broader cooperation between Nigeria and the EU on migration.

The agreement was extensively discussed during the 8th Nigeria-EU Ministerial Dialogue in March 2026, with both parties highlighting their interest in ensuring that migration cooperation incorporates reintegration support for returnees, infrastructure development assistance, and expanded legal pathways for Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad.

The EU delegation also indicated plans for a broader Migration and Security Cooperation Contract, which 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.

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch Nigeria's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.