January 3, 2026 | SUNTV Global
Canada has stepped up the deportation of Nigerian nationals, removing 366 individuals between January and October 2025, according to official figures obtained from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). In addition, 974 Nigerians are currently undergoing deportation procedures, listed under the CBSA’s “removal in progress” inventory, highlighting the continued scrutiny faced by Nigerian immigrants in the country.
The figures, last updated on November 25, 2025, show that Nigeria ranked ninth among the top 10 countries whose citizens were deported during this period and fifth among those awaiting removal. Canada’s intensified enforcement reflects a broader government strategy to tighten immigration controls amid pressures on housing, labour markets, and border security.
Historical Context of Nigerian Deportations
An examination of historical deportation data reveals fluctuations in the number of Nigerians removed from Canada over the years.
- 2019: 339 Nigerians deported
- 2020: 302
- 2021: 242
- 2022: 199
Nigeria did not feature among the top 10 deportation nationalities in 2023 and 2024 but re-entered the list in 2025 with 366 deportations recorded in just 10 months, representing an 8% increase compared to 2019.
This rise coincides with a period of unprecedented enforcement by the CBSA, which now removes nearly 400 foreign nationals weekly, the highest rate in over a decade. In the 2024–2025 fiscal year, Canada deported 18,048 individuals, with an estimated $78 million spent on deportation operations alone.
Why Deportations Happen
Under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, the CBSA is legally mandated to remove foreign nationals issued with enforceable removal orders. Individuals may be deemed inadmissible for several reasons, including:
- Security concerns
- Violations of human or international rights
- Criminal activity or organised crime
- Health or financial grounds
- Misrepresentation or failure to comply with immigration regulations
Data shows that the majority of deported individuals — around 83% — are failed refugee claimants whose asylum applications were rejected. Criminal activity accounts for roughly 4% of deportations.
Canada recognises three types of removal orders:
- Departure Orders: require the individual to leave Canada within 30 days
- Exclusion Orders: bar re-entry for 1–5 years
- Deportation Orders: permanently prohibit return unless special authorisation is granted
Nigeria’s Position Among Deportation Nationalities
Analysis of CBSA data shows that Nigeria is the only African country in the top 10 for deportations in 2025. Other African countries were grouped under “remaining nationals,” which accounted for 6,233 removals during the year.
The top 10 countries for deportations in 2025 were:
- Mexico – 3,972
- India – 2,831
- Haiti – 2,012
- Colombia – 737
- Romania – 672
- United States – 656
- Venezuela – 562
- China – 385
- Nigeria – 366
- Pakistan – 359
In the removal-in-progress inventory, Nigeria again appeared as the only African country, with 974 pending cases. The list was led by India (6,515), followed by Mexico (4,650), the United States (1,704), China (1,430), Nigeria (974), Colombia (895), Pakistan (863), Haiti (741), Brazil (650), and Chile (621).
Government Policy and Immigration Crackdown
Canadian authorities attribute the rise in deportations to tightened immigration enforcement, responding to increasing demands on housing, labour shortages, and border security. Ottawa has earmarked $30.5 million over three years for removal operations and $1.3 billion to strengthen border security infrastructure.
Experts have warned that deportations could further increase if Bill C-12, also known as the “border bill,” is passed. The legislation contains provisions that could permanently bar certain individuals from filing refugee claims, a move that has drawn criticism from refugee lawyers and human rights groups.
Aisling Bondy, President of the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers, stated:
“One of the clauses in that bill is that a lot of people will be permanently banned from filing a refugee claim in Canada, which could significantly increase deportation figures.”
Nigerians Remain Among Canada’s Top Immigrant Groups
Despite the deportations, Canada continues to attract Nigerians seeking education, work, and economic opportunities. The 2021 Canadian census showed that over 40,000 Nigerians migrated to Canada between 2016 and 2021, making them the largest African immigrant group and the fifth-largest recent immigrant population overall.
In the first four months of 2024 alone, 6,600 Nigerians obtained permanent residency, ranking them as the fourth-largest group after India, the Philippines, and China. Between 2005 and 2024, over 71,459 Nigerians became Canadian citizens, placing Nigeria 10th among source countries for new citizens.
Canada’s ageing population, labour shortages, and demand for skilled professionals and international students continue to make the country a preferred destination for Nigerians, even as stricter enforcement measures reshape migration trends.
The 2025 surge in Nigerian deportations underscores the growing challenges faced by immigrants in Canada, balancing the country’s economic needs with border security and legal obligations. While deportations rise, Canada remains a magnet for Nigerians pursuing better opportunities, reflecting a complex dynamic between policy enforcement and the enduring appeal of the Canadian dream.
