Canada deported 366 Nigerians between January and October 2025, as part of its fastest immigration enforcement push in over a decade, official figures show. An additional 974 Nigerians are currently listed under “removal in progress,” awaiting deportation.

Data from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) places Nigeria ninth among the top 10 countries for deportations in 2025, and fifth for nationals awaiting removal. Most deportees—around 83%—are failed refugee claimants, while roughly 4% were removed for criminal-related reasons.

The CBSA conducts removals under three types of orders: departure orders (30-day exit), exclusion orders (1–5 years re-entry ban), and deportation orders (permanent prohibition without special permission).

Historically, Nigerian deportations have fluctuated: 339 in 2019, dropping to 199 in 2022, before rising to 366 in just 10 months of 2025. This increase coincides with a broader Canadian crackdown, with nearly 400 foreign nationals removed weekly—the highest rate in over a decade.

The intensified efforts aim to meet revised immigration targets and ease pressures on housing, labor, and border security. Canada has allocated $30.5 million over three years for removals, alongside $1.3 billion for border security.

Despite stricter controls, Canada remains a key destination for Nigerians. Between 2016 and 2021, over 40,000 Nigerians migrated to the country, making them the largest African migrant group and among the top five recent immigrant populations. Between 2005 and 2024, more than 71,000 Nigerians acquired Canadian citizenship.

Refugee advocates, however, have raised concerns over potential further increases in deportations if Bill C-12—commonly called the “border bill”—is passed, as it could bar many from claiming asylum.