Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Canada’s immigration enforcement tightened significantly in 2025, resulting in the deportation of 366 Nigerian nationals between January and October of the year, according to recently released figures from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The enforcement surge forms part of the country’s broader effort to uphold its immigration laws and manage rising numbers of foreign nationals facing removal for various infractions, including unsuccessful asylum claims and visa violations. At the same time, data show that 974 Nigerians currently remain in the “removal in progress” inventory, awaiting deportation as procedures unfold.
The deportation figures place Nigeria among the top nationalities subject to enforced removals in Canada in 2025, highlighting the complex dynamics of migration patterns between the two nations. The year has seen Canada’s most robust deportation drive in more than a decade, with total enforced removals approaching 19,000 foreign nationals across all citizenships, reflecting a marked shift in enforcement intensity under evolving domestic and international pressures.
Canada’s immigration system allows individuals to enter for work, study, or humanitarian protection, but it also operates strict enforcement mechanisms for those found inadmissible. Deportation orders can stem from a range of circumstances, including overstaying visas, violating terms of stay, or failing to secure refugee status. In the case of Nigerian nationals, the removals carry particular weight amid growing migration flows.
The broader backdrop to the removals includes substantial asylum activity by Nigerian migrants in Canada throughout 2025. Official figures show that Nigerians lodged thousands of asylum claims, with more than 3,500 applications filed between January and August, of which approximately 2,292 were accepted and nearly 1,600 were rejected. This reflects an approval rate of around 65 per cent, a notable increase compared with previous years, even as Canada continues to balance humanitarian obligations with border security priorities.
The asylum figures underscore the fact that many Nigerians seeking refuge cite hardship, insecurity, and economic pressures as driving factors behind their migration. Analysts point to conditions such as persistent violence in certain regions of Nigeria, economic instability, and the desire for improved opportunities as key motivators that propel nationals to pursue protection abroad. These dynamics have made Nigeria one of the leading sources of asylum seekers in Canada, alongside countries such as Mexico, India, Haiti, and Colombia.
Within this highly active environment, enforcement actions have not been limited to deportations alone. The CBSA’s expanded removals program reflects Ottawa’s response to growing public concerns over migration levels, housing pressures, and the backlog of cases within the immigration system. While deportations of Nigerian nationals number in the hundreds for 2025, Canada’s overall removals include a broad cross-section of nationalities.
The presence of 974 Nigerians awaiting removal highlights ongoing procedural and logistical challenges facing both migrants and Canadian authorities. Individuals in the removal inventory may be awaiting transportation arrangements, completion of documentation, or finalization of legal appeals. Until these matters are resolved, they remain under administrative supervision pending departure.
The trend of deportations and removals has sparked debate on both sides of the Atlantic. Human rights advocates argue that enforcement must be matched by fair access to asylum processes and respect for international protection obligations. They stress that deportations should not undermine legitimate claims for safety and refuge, particularly for those fleeing conflict or persecution. At the same time, proponents of stricter immigration measures contend that upholding the rule of law is critical to the integrity and sustainability of Canada’s immigration system, particularly amid high levels of overall migrant arrivals seen in recent years.
Canadian officials underscore that removals are conducted in accordance with both domestic statutes and international law. These include obligations under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, which governs the admissibility, stay, and removal of foreign nationals. The process typically involves legal reviews, opportunities for appeal, and coordination with destination countries to ensure safe return.
For many Nigerian migrants, the specter of deportation comes amid a parallel trend of significant numbers of Nigerians becoming permanent residents or naturalized citizens in Canada. Data from the first half of 2025 show that thousands of Nigerian-born individuals acquired Canadian citizenship, reflecting a broader pattern of long-term settlement and integration among migrants who successfully transition through legal immigration pathways.
This juxtaposition paints a nuanced picture of the Nigerian diaspora’s experience in Canada: while some face removal under enforcement actions, others navigate pathways toward stability, education, work, and citizenship. These dual narratives highlight the varied outcomes within international migration and the differential impacts of policy decisions, personal circumstances, and legal determinations.
Looking ahead, Canadian authorities have indicated that deportation and removal figures will continue to be monitored closely. Policy discussions in Ottawa have touched on potential reforms to enhance transparency, accountability, and reporting on enforcement outcomes, including periodic updates to Parliament. These developments may shape future enforcement practices and the broader immigration landscape.
For Nigeria, the return of its citizens under deportation orders raises questions about reintegration support, bilateral cooperation on migration management, and the socio-economic implications of returning migrants. Government officials and civil society actors within Nigeria have periodically called for strengthened diplomatic engagement to protect the rights of Nigerians abroad and ensure humane treatment in host countries. These conversations are likely to gain further prominence as migration dynamics evolve.
As Canada balances its roles as a destination for migrants and a country with enforced immigration standards, the experiences of Nigerian nationals in 2025 underscore the complexities inherent in global migration governance — where legal pathways, humanitarian considerations, and enforcement mechanisms intersect on the frontlines of human mobility.
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