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Canada Deports 366 Nigerians in 10 Months, 974 More Await Removal Amid Intensified Immigration Crackdown
Canada has deported 366 Nigerian nationals between January and October 2025, marking a sharp increase in immigration enforcement not seen in over a decade. According to data from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), an additional 974 Nigerians are currently in the “removal in progress” inventory, awaiting deportation. Nigeria ranked ninth among the top 10 countries for deportations in 2025 and fifth in the removal-in-progress list, making it the only African nation in both categories.
Historical data show fluctuating deportation numbers, with Nigeria absent from the top 10 in 2023 and 2024. Most deportees (83%) are failed refugee claimants, while around 4% face removal due to criminality. Deportation orders are issued under Canadian law for reasons including security, human rights violations, criminal activity, health, financial reasons, or failure to comply with immigration regulations.
The CBSA now removes nearly 400 foreign nationals weekly, with the government allocating an extra $30.5 million over three years for removals and $1.3 billion for border security. Experts warn deportations could increase if Bill C-12 (‘border bill’) passes, which would restrict refugee claims.
Despite deportations, Canada remains a key destination for Nigerians seeking economic opportunities. Census and immigration data show that over 40,000 Nigerians migrated to Canada between 2016 and 2021, with 6,600 gaining permanent residency in early 2024 and over 71,000 becoming citizens between 2005 and 2024. Skilled professionals and students continue to be attracted to Canada due to its aging population and labour shortages.
Canada has deported 366 Nigerian nationals between January and October 2025, marking a sharp increase in immigration enforcement not seen in over a decade. According to data from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), an additional 974 Nigerians are currently in the “removal in progress” inventory, awaiting deportation. Nigeria ranked ninth among the top 10 countries for deportations in 2025 and fifth in the removal-in-progress list, making it the only African nation in both categories.
Historical data show fluctuating deportation numbers, with Nigeria absent from the top 10 in 2023 and 2024. Most deportees (83%) are failed refugee claimants, while around 4% face removal due to criminality. Deportation orders are issued under Canadian law for reasons including security, human rights violations, criminal activity, health, financial reasons, or failure to comply with immigration regulations.
The CBSA now removes nearly 400 foreign nationals weekly, with the government allocating an extra $30.5 million over three years for removals and $1.3 billion for border security. Experts warn deportations could increase if Bill C-12 (‘border bill’) passes, which would restrict refugee claims.
Despite deportations, Canada remains a key destination for Nigerians seeking economic opportunities. Census and immigration data show that over 40,000 Nigerians migrated to Canada between 2016 and 2021, with 6,600 gaining permanent residency in early 2024 and over 71,000 becoming citizens between 2005 and 2024. Skilled professionals and students continue to be attracted to Canada due to its aging population and labour shortages.
Canada Deports 366 Nigerians in 10 Months, 974 More Await Removal Amid Intensified Immigration Crackdown
Canada has deported 366 Nigerian nationals between January and October 2025, marking a sharp increase in immigration enforcement not seen in over a decade. According to data from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), an additional 974 Nigerians are currently in the “removal in progress” inventory, awaiting deportation. Nigeria ranked ninth among the top 10 countries for deportations in 2025 and fifth in the removal-in-progress list, making it the only African nation in both categories.
Historical data show fluctuating deportation numbers, with Nigeria absent from the top 10 in 2023 and 2024. Most deportees (83%) are failed refugee claimants, while around 4% face removal due to criminality. Deportation orders are issued under Canadian law for reasons including security, human rights violations, criminal activity, health, financial reasons, or failure to comply with immigration regulations.
The CBSA now removes nearly 400 foreign nationals weekly, with the government allocating an extra $30.5 million over three years for removals and $1.3 billion for border security. Experts warn deportations could increase if Bill C-12 (‘border bill’) passes, which would restrict refugee claims.
Despite deportations, Canada remains a key destination for Nigerians seeking economic opportunities. Census and immigration data show that over 40,000 Nigerians migrated to Canada between 2016 and 2021, with 6,600 gaining permanent residency in early 2024 and over 71,000 becoming citizens between 2005 and 2024. Skilled professionals and students continue to be attracted to Canada due to its aging population and labour shortages.
