840,000 foreign nationals overstaying visas in Nigeria, says Interior Minister

Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has revealed that Nigeria’s newly enhanced immigration monitoring system has identified 848,290 foreign nationals currently overstaying their visas, prompting a call for stronger enforcement and international cooperation.

Nigeria is grappling with a significant irregular migration crisis, as Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo revealed on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, that more than 840,000 foreign nationals are currently residing in the country beyond the validity of their visas. Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television, the minister credited the country’s newly enhanced immigration monitoring system for providing the granular data necessary to track these migration patterns. He noted that the discovery underscores a growing national security concern, as individuals without valid residency status are often vulnerable to exploitation or involvement in illicit networks. “As of this morning, our upgraded system shows that we have about 848,290 individuals from various countries who have overstayed their visas in Nigeria,” Tunji-Ojo stated.

The minister emphasized that addressing this backlog is essential for maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s borders and protecting the nation from activities such as human trafficking and smuggling. To tackle the issue, Tunji-Ojo called for bolstered international cooperation and bilateral agreements focused on the safe and “dignified return” of individuals who no longer possess legal permission to remain in the country. He argued that the situation in Nigeria mirrors global trends but stressed that the current administration is committed to implementing stronger enforcement mechanisms. The ministry’s focus remains on ensuring that every foreign national within Nigerian territory is properly documented and accounted for under the nation’s immigration laws.

In addition to the data on overstays, Tunji-Ojo addressed public concerns regarding international migration pacts, specifically dismissing rumors that Nigeria would accept foreign prisoners as part of diplomatic deals. He clarified that the recent migration agreement signed with the United Kingdom is strictly reciprocal and applies only to Nigerian citizens being returned to their home country. “There is no possibility of this government agreeing to any deal that involves bringing foreign inmates into Nigeria,” he asserted. By clarifying these terms, the minister sought to reassure the public that the government’s migration strategy is centered on national sovereignty and the orderly management of foreign residents.