Between January 2013 and December 2024, no fewer than 13,171 Nigerians were denied refugee protection by the Canadian government, placing Nigeria among the top five countries with the most rejected claims. In 2024 alone, 811 Nigerian applicants were turned down.
Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) requires applicants to prove they face persecution based on race, nationality, religion, political ideology, or social group membership, including gender identity and health conditions. The Refugee Protection Division (RPD) also considers risks of torture, cruel treatment, or life-threatening danger in applicants’ home countries. However, many Nigerian claims fail due to insufficient documentation, missed deadlines, or lack of understanding of refugee laws.
Despite high rejection rates, 10,580 Nigerians were granted refugee status within the reviewed decade, ranking Nigeria 8th among countries with the most accepted claims. In 2024 alone, 2,230 Nigerians received protection in Canada.
Experts attribute many rejections to economic migration rather than genuine asylum claims. Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation’s Executive Director, Imaobong Ladipo-Sanusi, emphasized the importance of safe, orderly, and well-documented migration. Meanwhile, developme
nt economist Aliyu Ilias and activist Deji Adeyanju warned of the long-term economic impact of brain drain, as skilled professionals leave Nigeria permanently, reducing the country’s GDP and weakening key sectors like healthcare. While remittances from the Nigerian diaspora contribute to the economy, they are not a substitute for local talent retention.
