By Gloria Ikibah
Nigeria and the European Union have renewed efforts to conclude the long-pending EU-Nigeria Re-Admission Agreement as both sides seek to deepen cooperation on migration, legal mobility and security.
The issue featured prominently during a meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. The . 
In a statement by the Nigerian Foreign Ministry the proposed agreement which was initiated in 2016, was also extensively discussed during the eighth Nigeria-EU Ministerial Dialogue in March 2026.
Brunner stressed the importance of concluding the agreement, saying its finalisation would provide a basis for broader cooperation between Nigeria and the EU on migration.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu, however, emphasised that any migration partnership should address Nigeria’s development interests, including support for the reintegration of returnees, infrastructure development and expanded legal pathways for Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad.
She also stressed the need for structured and lawful mobility opportunities for Nigeria’s large and youthful population.
The EU delegation indicated that Nigeria’s concerns had been incorporated into a proposed broader migration and security cooperation framework.
The framework is expected to cover strategic dialogue on talent partnerships, legal migration pathways, reintegration of returnees, border management and support from the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex.
The proposed cooperation will also explore an arrangement for information exchange with Europol to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to combat transnational organised crime.
Brunner said the EU was interested in developing legal migration pathways through talent partnerships, which could help address skills shortages in Europe while creating opportunities for Nigerian professionals.
The initiative is also expected to address concerns surrounding brain drain by creating more structured opportunities for Nigerians to work abroad while maintaining links with their home country.
The two sides further discussed cooperation against irregular migration, with Brunner indicating that progress in tackling irregular migration could help create greater opportunities for legal migration.
The European commissioner expressed interest in continuing discussions during a proposed visit to Abuja in November 2026, although the specific date is yet to be agreed by both sides.
The renewed engagement comes as the EU continues work towards formalising the readmission agreement. EU Council documents published in July 2026 also showed proposals for the signing and conclusion of an agreement with Nigeria covering the return and readmission of people who no longer meet the conditions for entry, presence or residence in the territories of either party.
The Nigeria-EU discussions therefore seek to address irregular migration and return while also expanding legal mobility, reintegration assistance, border management, security cooperation and opportunities for Nigerian professionals and young people.
