By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
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.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, discussed the matter on Monday, September 21, 2026, on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Brunner stressed the importance of concluding the agreement, which was initiated in 2016 and extensively discussed during the 8th Nigeria-EU Ministerial Dialogue in March 2026.
He said its finalization would provide a basis for broader cooperation between Nigeria and the EU on migration.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu, however, emphasized that migration cooperation should include reintegration support for returnees, infrastructure development assistance and expanded legal pathways for Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad.
She also stressed the need for structured and lawful mobility opportunities, particularly for Nigeria’s large and youthful population, while ensuring that migration cooperation supports the country’s development interests.
According to a statement by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Dr Magnus Eze, the EU delegation said these concerns had been incorporated into the proposed framework.
The delegation disclosed plans for a broader Migration and Security Cooperation Contract covering strategic dialogue on talent partnerships, mobility and legal pathways, reintegration of returnees, border management and support from the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex).
The proposed cooperation would also explore a working arrangement for information exchange with Europol to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to combat transnational organized crime.
Brunner also highlighted the EU’s interest in developing legal migration pathways through talent partnerships, saying such arrangements could address skills shortages in Europe while creating opportunities for Nigerian professionals and helping to mitigate concerns over brain drain.
The meeting further considered enhanced cooperation to combat irregular migration, with Brunner stressing that progress in this area could facilitate greater opportunities for legal migration.
The EU Commissioner expressed interest in continuing discussions with Odumegwu-Ojukwu during a proposed visit to Abuja in November 2026, with the specific date to be agreed by both sides.
The engagement forms part of Nigeria’s efforts to pursue a balanced migration partnership with the EU, focusing on irregular migration and return while expanding legal mobility, reintegration support, security cooperation and opportunities for Nigerian youth.
