Recent data from Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) has revealed that between January 2013 and December 2024, at least 13,171 Nigerian #asylum seekers were denied refugee protection.

This figure includes 811 rejections in 2024 alone, placing Nigeria among the top five countries with the highest number of rejected claims.

According to the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) of the IRB, other countries with significant rejections include Mexico (2,954), India (1,68, Haiti (982), and Colombia (723). Despite these high rejection rates, Nigeria was also listed among the top 10 countries with the most successful asylum claims, ranking 8th, with 10,580 Nigerians granted refugee status within the same period.

Understanding Canada’s Refugee Protection Process

For an asylum seeker to gain refugee status in Canada, they must meet the United Nations’ definition of a Convention refugee. This requires proof of persecution due to race, religion, nationality, political beliefs, or membership in a vulnerable social group, including gender identity or sexual orientation.

Additionally, claimants must demonstrate that they would face a serious risk of torture or inhumane treatment if they were to return to their home country.

Typically, asylum claims are made upon arrival at a Canadian port of entry or after reporting to an immigration officer. If deemed eligible, the claim is referred to the Refugee Protection Division for review.

However, some claims fail due to procedural issues, such as missing documentation, incorrect contact details, or failure to attend hearings. Within the reviewed period, 94 claims from Nigerians were abandoned, while 78 were voluntarily withdrawn.

Why Are Many Nigerian Refugee Claims Rejected?

Experts attribute the high rejection rate among Nigerian asylum seekers to economic migration rather than genuine claims of persecution. According to Imaobong Ladipo-Sanusi, Executive Director of the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation, many Nigerians fail to understand the legal requirements for refugee status.

She emphasized that irregular migration and inadequate documentation often lead to rejection. However, she maintained that individuals with legitimate protection needs should still be considered for asylum, regardless of their immigration status.

The Impact of Nigerian Migration on the Economy

While Canada’s rejection of asylum claims affects individual migrants, the broader issue of Nigerian emigration raises concerns about brain drain. Development economist Aliyu Ilias warned that the continuous departure of skilled professionals—especially in fields like medicine and engineering—poses a significant challenge for Nigeria’s workforce.

He pointed out that the country heavily subsidizes education in these professions, yet many trained experts seek permanent residency abroad rather than contributing to Nigeria’s development.

Although Nigerians in the diaspora send an average of $20 billion in remittances annually, Ilias argued that these funds do not compensate for the long-term economic impact of losing skilled professionals.

Similarly, civil society leader Deji Adeyanju criticized the government’s handling of professionals, stating that inadequate pay and poor working conditions drive talent away. He described this trend as the “ #Japa syndrome,” where highly educated individuals leave in search of better opportunities, further weakening key sectors like healthcare and education.

Conclusion

While Canada remains a destination for Nigerian migrants, the high rejection rate of asylum claims highlights the need for a better understanding of immigration policies. Experts suggest that addressing economic challenges at home and improving the treatment of professionals could reduce the outflow of talent.

Ultimately, migration policies and national development must be balanced to ensure that those in genuine need of protection receive it while also retaining skilled professionals within Nigeria.