The governments of Nigeria and United Kingdom have signed Memorandum of Understanding on Migration Partnership, a Statement of Intent on Cooperation on Organised Immigration Crime and Border Security, and a Statement of Intent on the Expansion of Business Visas for UK companies operating in Nigeria.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, represented Nigeria while UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood signed the agreements on behalf of the British government.

Speaking during the signing, Tunji-Ojo described the agreements as a reflection of Nigeria’s commitment to a migration framework that is transparent and respectful of national interests and international obligations.

“This partnership is a testament to our shared determination to build a migration system that is safe, orderly, and mutually beneficial. We are not here to be diplomatic but to integrate and tell you that in the next year, all we want to be able to do is to reveal how far we have gone in being successful. And hopefully this will be a template for other bilateral understandings,” he said.

The minister highlighted Nigeria’s strong working relationship with the UK Home Office and said the expansion of business visas would act as a catalyst for socio-economic growth, following reforms introduced under President Bola Tinubu.

He noted that reducing barriers to legal migration and trade is key to building a trillion-dollar economy and praised the partnership, saying Nigeria would “always be categorised as number one in successful bilateral relations” due to the extensive nature of the agreements.

Meanwhile, UK Trade Envoy Florence Eshalomi stated that the business visa agreement will yield clear benefits for both countries and described the heightened partnership as a bold step critical for Nigeria’s economic growth.

The three agreements are expected to strengthen collaboration on migration management, combat organised immigration crime, and facilitate easier business engagement between the UK and Nigeria.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed all political appointees under his administration who intend to contest elective offices in the forthcoming 2027 general elections to resign their appointments on or before March 31, 2026.

The directive is pursuant to the provisions of Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, as well as the timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, CON, which was issued by the Permanent Secretary General Services Office, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, the resignation requirement applies to all categories of presidential political appointees who wish to participate in the forthcoming party primaries or seek nomination for any elective office, which include the following: Honourable Ministers, Honourable Ministers of State, Special Advisers to the President, Senior Special Assistants to the President, Special Assistants the President, Personal Assistants to the President, All Directors-General, and Chief Executive Officers of Federal Government Parastatals, Agencies, Commissions, and Government-owned Companies, as well as all Other Political Appointees of the President.

Accordingly, all affected officials are required to submit their formal resignation letters through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation not later than March 31, 2026.

President Tinubu emphasised that the measure is necessary to ensure full compliance with electoral laws, uphold transparency in the political process, and promote a level playing field for all aspirants ahead of the elections.

He urged all concerned officials to take note of this directive and ensure strict compliance, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and promoting credible electoral processes in Nigeria.

Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, has dismissed speculation linking him with a possible defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), reiterating his commitment to his party.

The governor had recently been the subject of reports suggesting he might be considering leaving the opposition party, with claims that such a move could occur within the week.

However, while dismissing the rumour shortly after presiding over the swearing-in of 17 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries at the Government House in Bauchi on Wednesday, Mohammed downplayed the claims, stressing that he had made no official statement indicating any intention to quit the PDP.

He maintained that the reports are unfounded, reaffirming his continued membership of the party.

“I find it amusing that even when I have not said anything officially, people are already discussing me as if I have moved,” he said.