Nigeria and the European Union have reached an agreement aimed at speeding up the return of Nigerian citizens living irregularly in European countries.
The agreement, announced on Wednesday, November 11, is expected to strengthen cooperation between both sides on migration management and security-related matters.
The arrangement is designed to improve procedures for identifying and returning individuals who do not have legal permission to remain in EU member states.
It also forms part of broader cooperation between Nigeria and European authorities on migration, border management and the fight against human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
The agreement is likely to attract attention in Nigeria, where economic hardship, unemployment and limited opportunities have contributed to the desire among many young people to seek better prospects abroad.
However, the arrangement also raises important questions about the protection of migrants’ rights, the handling of returnees and the support available to those who are sent back.
