Nigeria and the European Union have renewed efforts to deepen cooperation on migration, with both sides advancing discussions towards concluding the long-pending Nigeria-EU Re-Admission Agreement.
The development 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 the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Brunner stressed the need to conclude the agreement, which was initiated in 2016 and extensively discussed during the 8th Nigeria-EU Ministerial Dialogue in March 2026.
He said its finalisation would provide a framework for broader cooperation between Nigeria and the EU on migration-related issues.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria was interested in a migration partnership that goes beyond the return of migrants to include reintegration support, infrastructure assistance and expanded legal pathways for Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad.
She emphasised the need for structured and lawful mobility opportunities, particularly for Nigeria’s large and youthful population, while ensuring that migration policies support the country’s development priorities.
The EU delegation said these concerns had been incorporated into the proposed framework, which would cover migration and security cooperation, talent partnerships, legal mobility pathways, reintegration of returnees and border management.
The framework would also include support from the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), while both sides would explore an arrangement for exchanging information with Europol to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to combat transnational organised crime.
Brunner also highlighted the potential for talent partnerships to create legal migration opportunities for Nigerian professionals while helping Europe address skills shortages.
He said stronger cooperation against irregular migration could, in turn, facilitate greater opportunities for legal migration.
The meeting also discussed continued cooperation on migration management, security and the reintegration of returnees.
Brunner expressed interest in continuing discussions during a proposed visit to Abuja in November 2026, with both sides expected to agree on a specific date.
The engagement reflects ongoing efforts by Nigeria and the EU to build a balanced migration partnership addressing irregular migration and return while expanding legal mobility, reintegration support, security cooperation and opportunities for Nigerian youth.
