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UK Immigration Crackdown, Impact On Nigerians
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The dream of some Nigerian youths to relocate to the United Kingdom for work or academic pursuits is turning into a mirage following the recent unveiling of a controversial White Paper by the British government aimed at curbing net migration.
The proposed reforms, which have triggered reactions across the globe, are forcing a major rethink among prospective immigrants and those already navigating life in the UK.
The British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, on Monday, presented the 2025 Immigration White Paper, titled, ‘Restoring Control over the Immigration System.’
The policy document outlines ambitious plans to slash net migration by 100,000 annually, with significant changes impacting work, study, family, and asylum routes.
According to the document, prospective and current immigrants will face an extended settlement period, a higher skilled worker threshold, a shortened post-study work visa duration, and more stringent English language requirements.
The White Paper is not yet a policy.
A bill is expected to be drafted based on feedback from the document, which will go through the parliament for consideration before it is passed into law and implemented.
However, the document has been met with widespread dismay, as many Nigerians lamented that the window for relocation is rapidly closing.
A particularly concerning clause in the paper states, “Legislation will be brought in to make clear that the government and parliament, not courts, determine who should stay, tackling misuse of Article 8 (right to family life) to block deportations.”
Tougher conditions for workers, students
In a bid to reduce work-related migration, the UK government will now mandate that skilled workers possess university certificates and meet new, higher salary thresholds to qualify for visas.
The White Paper noted that the UK was turning into an “Island of strangers,” and announced that the “Immigration Skills Charge, paid by sponsors, will rise by 32 per cent for the first time since 2017, in line with inflation.”
The social care sector, a significant employer of Nigerian immigrants, also faces a severe clampdown.
The paper states, “Social care visas will close to new overseas applicants; people already in the UK with work rights can extend or switch visas until 2028, subject to review.”
International students and their sponsoring universities are not spared. Graduates will now only be permitted to stay in the UK for 18 months post-study, down from the current two years.
A levy on income from international students is also under consideration, with funds potentially redirected towards domestic skills training.
Sponsoring institutions will face stricter compliance, needing to demonstrate at least a 95 per cent course enrolment rate and a 90 per cent completion rate.
Furthermore, the default route to permanent settlement will be extended to 10 years, unless an individual makes “notable economic or social contributions.”
Nigerians eye alternative destinations
A senior lecturer at Nottingham Trent University, England, Dr. Oyedele Ogundana, advised Nigerians to critically reassess their UK plans in light of the stricter requirements.
He said, “Given the UK’s new immigration policies, such as extending residency requirements from five to 10 years, stricter English language criteria, and halting new social care visas, Nigerians should reassess their plans.”
“Countries like Germany, Portugal, Australia, and Canada offer more accommodating immigration policies. Germany is actively recruiting skilled workers; Canada and Portugal have a welcoming environment for African immigrants; Australia offers favourable conditions for skilled migrants and students.”
For those already in the UK, Ogundana recommended seeking legal counsel to understand their rights under the proposed policy.
Despite the stringent measures, some believe Nigerians in the UK can still adapt.
A London-based Nigerian attorney, Mrs Efuru Nwapa, noted that Prime Minister Starmer was under considerable pressure to regulate immigration.
“The British PM is under pressure to control immigration, and one of the strategies is to limit the number of legal migrants, which would, in turn, ease the pressure on public services,” she explained.
“Nigerians who want to relocate to the UK through the skilled worker route should ensure they meet the eligibility criteria, such as having at least a degree qualification.
“I do not believe that the contracts of Nigerians already in the UK working in relevant sectors would be terminated, but the contracts may not be renewed. Therefore, they should enrol in courses to meet the new eligibility criteria.”
A travel agent in London, Mrs. Elizabeth Nwachukwu, suggested that the policy might face review due to backlash from immigrants.
“I understand the panic among those affected, but the policy could still be thoroughly examined if more people stand against it. Meanwhile, Luxembourg and Scotland have fairer social care worker schemes, which Nigerians can explore.”
Upskilling and strategic planning
The President of the American Academy of Optometry, African chapter, Dr Uchechukwu Osuagwu, emphasised the importance of upskilling.
He advised Nigerians to “focus on high-demand and high-skilled professions that remain open to international recruitment, particularly in technology, engineering, and healthcare,” and to “pursue further education or certifications that align with the UK’s skill requirements.”
For social care workers already in the UK, he suggested they “engage with employers about sponsorship options and consider upskilling themselves to transition into roles less affected by policy changes.”
With the residency period extended, Dr Osuagwu stressed that “maintaining a good record of contributions to society is critical to strengthen future applications. Always pay taxes and keep records transparent and clean.”
He also recommended Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Germany, and Ireland as alternatives.
“Germany just introduced the Skilled Migration Act, which allows easy access for qualified professionals, especially in engineering and IT,” he noted.
‘Stay in your country’
A Nigeria-based immigration lawyer, Yemi Opemuti, predicted that the policy could reduce Nigerian emigration to the UK by 50 per cent or more.
He described it as a reflection of a broader Western trend to “reduce the influx of legal migrants by imposing stricter conditions and discouraging long-term settlement by foreign nationals, especially from developing countries like Nigeria.”
Opemuti highlighted the severe restrictions on the student visa route.
“Before now, the reservation fund for international students used to be between £28,000 and £29,000, but it has increased to £38,000 or £39,000. The implication is that a Nigerian hoping to study in the UK may now need between N15m and N20m as a reservation fund,” he explained.
“Now, it’s going to almost N45m or N50m, which will make it harder for Nigerians to travel to the UK through the study route.
“To me, what this is telling us is that these countries want us to stay in our country,” Opemuti stated, acknowledging that determined individuals would likely seek opportunities in EU countries like Germany and France, or even Australia and parts of Asia.”
He advised Nigerians to focus on building sustainable livelihoods at home before considering relocation amid such challenging global immigration climates.
Some Nigerian youths, who took to social media, criticised the move by the Labour Party.
On X, one J Adams wrote, “The same people who colonised us, exploited our resources, and reshaped our systems are now the ones setting up hurdles for our freedom of movement. History has a way of repeating itself, just in different forms.”
According to Allan Lawrence on Facebook, “They need your school fees, which you will pay to study, but they don’t need you to live in their country to work.”
“It is not negotiable to develop our continent. It is staring at us now. No hiding place anymore,” Oyinbo Adeniyi said on Facebook.
Another Facebook user, Ade BusyTee, said there was nothing unusual in the plan.
“Same with care and studying. Don’t worry, they will come back to reverse it again. Those employed to give care can’t survive 10 years in care homes with the loads of work and pay. They will come back for more soon,” he added.
… As Former CFO Dismisses Missing Funds Claim, Defends Company’s Accounts
A dramatic session unfolded at the Senate on Wednesday as the Senate Committee on Public Accounts ordered the arrest of former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, over his failure to appear before lawmakers investigating alleged unaccounted funds amounting to ₦210 trillion between 2017 and 2023.
The committee’s directive followed Kyari’s absence from an investigative hearing examining 19 audit queries raised against the national oil company by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation.
Lawmakers insisted that the former NNPCL chief had repeatedly failed to honour invitations despite several opportunities granted to him.
The hearing took another twist when former Chief Financial Officer of the NNPCL, Umar Ajiya Isa, strongly rejected claims that ₦210 trillion was missing from the company’s accounts. He argued that the figure being cited as unaccounted for exceeded the total revenue generated by the corporation during the period under review.
During deliberations, some committee members urged restraint. Senator Saliu Mustapha and Senator Tony Nwoye informed the committee that Kyari was reportedly receiving medical treatment in Germany and should be granted another opportunity to appear before lawmakers.
Their plea, however, met stiff resistance from other members of the panel who insisted that verbal explanations were insufficient. Senator Abdul Ningi argued that any claim of illness should be backed by documentary evidence rather than mere verbal assurances.
The strongest push for enforcement came from Senator Victor Umeh, who formally moved a motion calling for the issuance of a warrant of arrest against the former NNPCL chief. The motion received immediate support from the committee’s Deputy Chairman, Senator Peter Nwaebonyi.
Nwaebonyi told the committee that granting Kyari another opportunity to appear voluntarily would amount to chasing shadows. He noted that the committee had already convened nine separate meetings on the matter, with three of them presided over by him, without securing the former NNPCL chief’s appearance.
“This is the ninth time this committee is meeting on the 19 audit queries raised against NNPCL. The time to issue a warrant of arrest is now because the committee must conclude its assignment and report back to the Senate,” he declared.
Following a voice vote, Committee Chairman Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo announced the panel’s decision, directing security agencies to ensure Kyari’s appearance before the committee.
“Anywhere Mele Kyari is, he should be arrested and brought before this committee,” Dankwambo ruled.
While the committee intensified pressure on the former NNPCL boss, Isa mounted a vigorous defence of the company’s financial records. He described the allegation of ₦210 trillion in missing funds as impossible, insisting that the figures did not align with NNPCL’s audited financial statements.
According to him, the company generated approximately ₦54.5 trillion in revenue during the period under review, even before accounting for production costs. He argued that it would be mathematically impossible for ₦210 trillion to be missing when the total earnings were significantly lower than the amount being alleged.
“To be clear, if money had gone missing during our tenure, we would not have had the confidence to publish audited accounts. For over four decades, NNPC accounts were either not prepared, not published, or not submitted to the Auditor-General. The fact that audited accounts were released demonstrates transparency,” he said.
Isa also dismissed allegations that ₦5.8 billion was spent on the registration of NNPC Limited, describing the claim as false and harmful. He challenged the committee to verify the matter independently with the Corporate Affairs Commission and the Nigeria Revenue Service.
Warning against the consequences of inaccurate financial allegations, the former CFO said unsubstantiated claims could damage Nigeria’s international reputation and affect investor confidence. He recalled how a previous petition allegedly disrupted efforts to secure about $2.5 billion in Chinese financing for the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline project, despite sovereign guarantees backing the deal.
He further urged anti-corruption and intelligence agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, to investigate the allegations thoroughly and establish the facts. “When people claim ₦210 trillion is missing, they should be asked where exactly it went,” he stated.
At the conclusion of the hearing, the committee directed Isa and former Chief Upstream Investment Officer, Bala Wunti, to return in two weeks as lawmakers continue their probe into the audit queries and the financial operations of the NNPCL during the period under review.
The Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State, on Wednesday ordered the unconditional release of Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo and other detained leaders of Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area.
Delivering judgment in a fundamental rights enforcement application, Justice Hyeladzira Nganjiwa granted the order while ruling on a motion filed on May 4, 2026.
The case, Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/42/2024: Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo & Ors v. Federal Government of Nigeria & Ors, also has July 13, 2026, fixed for continuation of hearing on the substantive matter.
The court had earlier ordered that the detained persons be produced before it, a directive which was reportedly not complied with by the military authorities.
Counsel to the applicants, Dr. Jonathan Ekperusi, appeared alongside Andrew Ubido, Esq., while Magdalene Irorere held brief for the 3rd and 5th respondents during the proceedings.
Following the ruling, members of the Okuama community expressed relief and joy over the court’s decision.
Victor Akemor, speaking on behalf of some community members, described the ruling as a welcome development.
“This is great news. Finally, we have reason to celebrate. The court is indeed the hope of the common man,” he said.
He also called on the Delta State Government to assist in facilitating the implementation of the court order and commended community leaders and legal representatives for their efforts.
The detained individuals, including Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, President General of Ewu Kingdom; Chief Belvis Adogbo; Dennis Malaka; and Mabel Owhemu, have been in custody for nearly two years.
One of the detainees, Pa James Oghoroko, reportedly died while in detention.
The Okuama leaders were arrested by military personnel between August 18 and 19, 2024, following the killing of 17 soldiers near the community.
More than 100 Nigerians serving jail terms in Ethiopia may soon be transferred to Nigeria as both countries conclude arrangements for a prisoner transfer agreement.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, arrived in Addis Ababa for the signing of the pact alongside the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.
The Nigerian delegation was received by Ethiopia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and the country’s Chief of Protocol.
According to Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the agreement is scheduled to be signed on Wednesday.
She disclosed that four Nigerian inmates died during the lengthy process of negotiations, judicial reviews and ratification of the agreement.
“We cannot afford to lose any more precious lives. We are determined to bring home the living,” she stated in a post on her X handle.
The minister identified Kaliti Prison and Aba Samuel Prison as the facilities where the affected Nigerians are being held.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the agreement as a product of the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Ethiopia, anchored on humanitarian considerations, justice and bilateral cooperation.
She said that while the Nigerian government continues to urge its citizens abroad to obey the laws of their host countries and protect the nation’s image, it remains committed to ensuring that Nigerians facing legal challenges overseas are treated fairly and in accordance with established legal frameworks.
The minister added that the welfare and protection of Nigerians abroad remain a key priority of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
She also expressed appreciation to the Ethiopian government for its cooperation in bringing the agreement to fruition.
Senate Orders Kyari’s Arrest Over Alleged ₦210 Trn NNPCL Financial Infractions
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Court orders unconditional release of Okuama leaders
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