KEY MESSAGES FROM THE 2024 UK-NIGERIA MIGRATION, JUSTICE, AND HOME AFFAIRS DIALOGUE.

Senior officials from the United Kingdom Home Office welcomed a delegation from the Federal Republic of Nigeria to co-chair the annual Migration, Justice, and Home Affairs dialogue on March 19, 2024, in London.

The discussions affirmed the strong relationship between Nigeria and the UK, with commitments made across various priority areas of mutual interest.

The commendable cooperation between the two nations on migration and countering criminality in all its forms was recognized.

In the spirit of collaboration, there was consensus to enhance awareness within each country of their respective internal systems and cultures.

Concerning serious and organized crime, Nigeria and the UK expressed mutual appreciation for ongoing efforts to prevent vulnerable young people from engaging in criminal activities, intercepting and disrupting organized crime groups trafficking people and illicit commodities, as well as exploring new opportunities to combat online fraud together.

Both parties acknowledged the improved engagement and information sharing between their respective governments and high commissions.

They pledged to actively engage with relevant authorities to address outstanding issues and promote their joint efforts to the public.

The significance of repatriating nationals with no right to remain in each other’s territories was mutually recognized, facilitated by the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding on Migration Partnership.

Both sides (UK-Nigeria) vowed to delve into a deeper migration partnership and welcomed progress towards a criminal record data-sharing arrangement through technical working groups, the latest of which occurred on March 20, 2024.

This endeavor will lay the groundwork for a closer relationship on sharing criminal records data.

The collaborative endeavors of Nigeria and the UK on these matters underscore their shared commitment to tackling crime and destabilizing factors directly, showcasing the depth of the relationship between the two countries.

Both nations pledged to hold further meetings to assess progress against the commitments made ahead of the next annual talks and maintain ongoing regular engagement between the Nigerian High Commission and the UK Home Office in London.

The next annual Migration, Justice, and Home Affairs talks, hosted by Nigeria, are scheduled for 2025 and will involve contributions and participation from all relevant ministries, departments, and agencies from Nigeria and the UK.

Dr. Richard Montgomery, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, remarked:

“I am pleased that the UK/Nigeria partnership continues to grow, including on important issues of migration and countering criminality in all its forms.

“Last week we reaffirmed our commitment to work closely together to disrupt organized crime groups who facilitate illicit trafficking, tackle illegal migration, and ensure those with legitimate travel continue to visit our respective countries.

“We look forward to building our partnership further on areas of mutual interest and ultimately making our countries safer for citizens.”

Source: Techeconomy