The number of Nigerian nationals seeking asylum in the United Kingdom has seen a significant rise, according to the latest UK asylum and resettlement summary data for the year ending December 2024.
A total of 22,619 asylum applications from Nigerians were recorded between 2010 and 2024, with a noticeable surge in 2024 when 2,841 applications were submitted — a sharp 94% increase compared to 1,462 applications in 2023.
Overall, the UK received 621,900 asylum applications between 2010 and 2024, with 2024 marking the highest annual figure at 108,138 applications.
Top Nationalities Seeking Asylum in 2024
In addition to Nigeria, other nationalities also contributed to the rise in asylum claims:
• Pakistan: 10,542 applications in 2024, up from 5,904 in 2023 (a 79% increase)
• Afghanistan: 8,508 applications, slightly down from 9,710 in 2023
• Iran: 8,099 applications, up from 7,842 in 2023
• Bangladesh: 7,225 applications, up from 5,097 in 2023
• Syria: 6,680 applications, up from 3,930 in 2023
Pakistan recorded the most significant numerical rise, while Nigeria posted one of the highest percentage increases.
Tougher UK Citizenship Rules Introduced
In February 2024, the UK government updated its citizenship policy to deny applications from individuals who entered the country illegally, including many asylum seekers.
The rule applies even to those who have lived in the UK for years or hold legal statuses such as indefinite leave to remain.
According to TravelBiz, the rule specifically targets individuals who entered without authorization and later seek British citizenship after the rule’s implementation date.
The government introduced the change amid a rise in illegal immigration, particularly through small boat crossings in the English Channel.
However, the new policy has triggered legal challenges and criticism. Human rights advocates argue that the rule violates the 1951 UN Refugee Convention, which prohibits punishing asylum seekers based on how they entered a country.
Critics also warn that it unfairly penalizes individuals who arrived under dire circumstances and could affect many with previously lawful status.
Increased Immigration Enforcement Activity
The UK’s immigration enforcement operations have also intensified.
In January 2025, enforcement teams conducted inspections at 828 business premises nationwide, including nail bars, restaurants, convenience stores, and car washes — a 48% increase compared to January 2024.
Arrests rose sharply to 609, a 73% jump from the 352 arrests recorded in January 2024.
The combination of tougher citizenship policies and increased enforcement highlights the UK government’s continued crackdown on illegal immigration, creating greater uncertainty for many asylum seekers, including Nigerian nationals.
