NIGERIA, EU ADVANCE TALKS ON LEGAL MIGRATION OPPORTUNITIES

Nigeria and the European Union are working to strengthen cooperation on migration, including efforts to conclude a long-pending readmission agreement and create more structured legal pathways for Nigerians seeking opportunities in Europe.

The development followed a meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, 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 EU-Nigeria Readmission Agreement, which was initiated in 2016, was among the key issues discussed. Brunner said concluding the agreement would provide a basis for broader cooperation on migration.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria was interested in a balanced migration framework that would include reintegration support for returnees, infrastructure assistance and expanded legal mobility opportunities.

The proposed cooperation framework is expected to cover talent partnerships, legal migration pathways, reintegration, border management and cooperation with European agencies. Discussions also included possible information-sharing arrangements to strengthen efforts against transnational organised crime.

Brunner said talent partnerships could help address skills shortages in Europe while creating opportunities for Nigerian professionals. The EU and Nigeria are expected to continue discussions, with the commissioner indicating plans for a visit to Abuja in November.

The talks reflect efforts by both sides to address irregular migration while expanding lawful opportunities for Nigerians to work and develop professional careers in Europe.