Over 13,000 Nigerian Asylum Seekers Rejected by Canada in a Decade, 811 Denied in 2024 Alone Amid Growing Migration Concerns
More than 13,171 Nigerians seeking refugee protection in Canada between January 2013 and December 2024 had their claims denied, according to official data from the Refugee Protection Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB).
In 2024 alone, 811 Nigerians were among those rejected, placing Nigeria fifth among countries with the most denied claims. Others on the list include Mexico (2,954 rejections), India (1,688), Haiti (982), and Colombia (723).
The IRB grants refugee status only to those who meet the United Nations’ definition of a Convention refugee or demonstrate a credible risk of persecution, torture, or cruel and unusual treatment if returned to their home country. Claims can be abandoned due to incomplete documentation or failure to attend hearings.
While Nigeria ranked high in rejections, it also placed eighth among countries with the most successful asylum claims. A total of 10,580 Nigerians were granted protection in the past decade, with 2,230 accepted in 2024.
Experts attribute the high rejection rate to economic migration rather than genuine persecution claims. Imaobong Ladipo-Sanusi, Executive Director of the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation, stressed the need for proper documentation and adherence to refugee laws.
Meanwhile, economist Aliyu Ilias warned that Nigeria faces a “brain drain” crisis as skilled professionals continue to migrate. He noted that while remittances from Nigerians abroad contribute to the economy, they do not compensate for the loss of talent.
Civil society advocate Deji Adeyanju echoed these concerns, criticizing the so-called “Japa syndrome” and urging the government to improve conditions at home to retain professionals.
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