Three Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) were signed
by the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the United Kingdom..
The Migration Partnership, a Statement of Intent on Cooperation on Organised Immigration Crime and Border Security and a Statement of Intent on the Expansion of Business Visas for UK companies working with Nigeria.
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, signed the agreement while representing the Federal Government of Nigeria in the UK.
According to the UK Home Secretary, Rt Hon Shabana Mahmood, Nigeria will always be categorised as number one in successful bilateral relations.
“We are obviously always having bilateral discussions with other countries, however, you will always be number one because you are the first to have gotten such an extensive agreement and we really do appreciate it.
“ I think we both understand one another and I think we have a shared vision here for the work that our countries can do together and I really do appreciate it,” the home secretary said.
During the signing of the third MoU, Florence Eshalomi,Florence Eshalomi, Florence Eshalomi,stated that the agreement on expansion of business visas for UK companies, has clear benefits for both countries.
Eshalomi attributed the heightened partnership as a bold step that is vital for economic growth for Africa’s largest and thriving economy; Nigeria.
However ,Tunji-Ojo said that the agreement reflects Nigeria’s commitment to a migration framework that is transparent and respectful of national interests and international obligations.
“This partnership is a testament to our shared determination to build a migration system that is safe, orderly, and mutually beneficial.
“We are not here to be diplomatic but to integrate and tell you that in the next one year all we want to be able to do is to reveal how far we have gone in being successful.
“And hopefully this will be a template for other bilateral understandings,” he said in a statement by his
Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Babatunde Alao on Thursday.
The minister acknowledged that Nigeria has an existing applaudable working relationship with the UK home office in Nigeria.
“This relationship with the UK means a lot to us and you can see the level of commitment that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has put in,” Tunji-Ojo said.