Nigeria and the European Union are stepping up efforts to strengthen migration cooperation, including moves to conclude a long-delayed readmission agreement and expand legal pathways for Nigerians seeking opportunities in Europe.
The development followed a meeting between Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner on September 21, 2026, on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The EU-Nigeria Readmission Agreement, initiated in 2016, would provide a framework for the return and readmission of people who no longer have the legal right to remain in the EU. The issue was also discussed during the eighth Nigeria-EU Ministerial Dialogue in March.
Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria wanted migration cooperation to include reintegration support for returnees, infrastructure assistance, and more legal mobility opportunities for Nigerians.
The proposed broader migration and security framework would cover legal pathways, talent partnerships, reintegration, border management, and support from the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex, Nigeria, and the EU are also considering information-sharing cooperation with Europol to tackle transnational organized crime.
Brunner said talent partnerships could help address skills shortages in Europe while creating opportunities for Nigerian professionals. He also linked progress on tackling irregular migration to greater opportunities for legal migration.
The EU has already taken formal steps towards the readmission agreement, with Council documents published in July 2026 proposing its signing and conclusion.
Brunner is expected to continue discussions with Nigerian officials during a proposed visit to Abuja in November 2026.
