Nigeria records over 22,000 asylum applications to the UK in 15 years 

This is according to the report on the UK Asylum and resettlement summary data, year ending December 2024.

The figures show a gradual increase over the years, with a significant spike in 2024, when a total of 2,841 asylum claims were made by Nigerians, marking a substantial 94% increase compared to the 1,462 applications in the previous year.

Pakistan recorded the largest increase. Asylum claims from Pakistan rose by 4,638, from 5,904 in 2023 to 10,542 in 2024, marking a substantial 79% increase.

Between 2010 and 2024, the UK received a total of 621,900 asylum applications, with 2024 recording the highest number with 108,138 applications.

The top five nationalities also saw notable increases in asylum applications to the UK in 2024 

Naijaonpoint reported that in February 2024, the United Kingdom updated its citizenship policy to deny applications from individuals who entered the country illegally, including asylum seekers.

Critics argue that the policy contradicts international commitments and places an unfair burden on individuals who arrived in the UK under difficult conditions. It has also created uncertainty for many who previously held lawful immigration status.