The Presidency has clarified the migration partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, saying recent claims about the agreement were misleading and not supported by the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by both countries.

In a statement issued on Saturday by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the presidency said it became necessary to address what it described as "a raft of misinformation" surrounding the immigration cooperation deal reached during the state visit of President Bola Tinubu to the United Kingdom.

The statement explained that the memorandum on immigration cooperation was one of several agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, particularly in managing migration and related matters between the two nations.

According to the Presidency, the migration MoU was signed by Nigeria's Minister of Interior and the Secretary of State for the Home Department of the Government of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland as part of efforts to deepen collaboration on migration governance.

It noted that the agreement establishes a framework to facilitate regulated and safe migration flows whilst also encouraging stronger cooperation in tackling irregular migration and other associated activities involving citizens of both countries.

The government stressed that contrary to circulating claims, nowhere in the 12-page memorandum does it require Nigeria to accept foreign nationals other than its own citizens, adding that only verified Nigerian nationals can be repatriated under the arrangement.

The statement further explained that individuals slated for repatriation must undergo several layers of identification and verification, and that any error discovered in the process would require the requesting country to take the individual back at its own expense.

Under the agreement, both Nigeria and the United Kingdom will work together to ensure the dignified return of their nationals who no longer have the right to enter or remain in the other country's territory, whilst upholding their rights and fundamental freedoms.

The Presidency also highlighted that law enforcement authorities in both countries are expected to take necessary steps to protect the interests and well-being of citizens of either country and help prevent tensions linked to migration-related issues.

A key provision in the MoU, according to the statement, is that migrants being returned will be allowed to travel with their legally acquired personal belongings, a departure from earlier practices where returnees often left without their property.

The statement cited Article 12 of the agreement, which provides that every returnee will be given sufficient opportunity to arrange the transfer or disposal of property in the requesting country, under the supervision of the mission of the requested country.

The Presidency added that the MoU also outlines procedures for identification, appeals under human rights legislation, reintegration assistance for returnees, and operational guidelines for returns, noting that the agreement, similar to those signed in 2012, 2017 and 2022, will run for an initial period of five years, renewable for another five years if both parties agree.

It also urged media organisations to seek clarification when in doubt to avoid spreading misinformation.