The United Kingdom has recorded over 22,000 Nigerian asylum seekers between 2010 and 2024. This is according to the UK Home Office. The latest data shows a sharp rise, with 2,841 Nigerians applying in 2024 alone—nearly double the figure from the previous year.
Nigeria ranks 11th among countries with the highest number of UK asylum applications, with reasons ranging from insecurity, kidnapping, and economic hardship to fears of persecution under Nigeria’s cybercrime laws and for sexual orientation.
Experts warn the growing trend could deepen Nigeria’s brain drain, as many skilled professionals, including doctors and engineers, permanently settle abroad, impacting the country’s economy and GDP.
