Nigeria and the European Union have renewed efforts to strengthen cooperation on migration, including moves to conclude the long-pending EU-Nigeria Re-Admission Agreement.
This was the outcome of a meeting between the 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.
According to a statement by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Dr Magnus Eze, Commissioner Brunner stressed the importance of concluding the Re-Admission Agreement, which was initiated in 2016 and extensively discussed during the 8th Nigeria-EU Ministerial Dialogue in March 2026.
Brunner noted that the finalisation of the agreement would “provide a basis for broader cooperation between Nigeria and the EU on migration.”
Amb. 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, with plans for a broader Migration and Security Cooperation Contract.
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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.
Commissioner Brunner also highlighted the EU’s interest in developing legal pathways through talent partnerships.
According to him, 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 the need for enhanced cooperation to combat irregular migration.
The Commissioner stressed that progress in this area could “facilitate greater opportunities for legal migration.”
The two sides also discussed continued engagement, with Commissioner Brunner expressing interest in visiting Abuja in November 2026. The specific date of the proposed visit is expected to be agreed upon by both sides.
The engagement reflects Nigeria’s continued efforts to pursue a balanced migration partnership with the European Union that addresses irregular migration and return while expanding legal mobility, reintegration support, security cooperation and opportunities for Nigerian youth.
