These are not the best of times for some Nigerians as Canada has rejected 1,596 asylum applications from Nigerians so far this year, according to new figures from the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB).
Data updated to August 21 reveal that nationals from Nigeria submitted 3,548 claims in 2025, with 2,292 approved, a 65 per cent acceptance rate, higher than in previous years.
People from Nigeria are among the top asylum seekers in Canada, alongside citizens of Mexico, India, Haiti and Colombia. Experts attribute the high numbers to worsening insecurity linked to Boko Haram insurgency and economic instability at home.
Ontario and Alberta presently host the largest chunk of Nigerian asylum seekers.
Canada grants asylum if applicants fulfill the United Nations definition of a convention refugee, which requires proof of persecution risk based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a vulnerable social group such as women, LGBTQ persons or people living with HIV/AIDS.
Applicants must also show credible threats to life, risk of torture or exposure to cruel treatment if returned to their home country.
The IRB’s records show that in 2024, 811 Nigerian claims were turned down while 2,230 were granted.
Between 2013 and 2024, over 13,000 Nigerian applications were denied, with 2019 recording the highest number at nearly 4,000 rejections.
Despite the rising rejection rate, Canada has granted refugee protection to 10,580 Nigerians in the last 10 years, including over 2,200 in 2024 alone.
Nigeria presently ranks eighth among the top 10 countries whose nationals got asylum in Canada, behind Turkiye, Mexico, Colombia, Iran, Pakistan, Haiti and Afghanistan.
Speaking on the trend, Imaobong Ladipo-Sanusi, Executive Director of the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation, stated that many Nigerians get their request for asylum rejected because of irregular migration practices.
“Most times, people don’t fully understand the laws governing refugee status in their chosen destination. Documentation is crucial, because entering irregularly increases the chances of rejection. Migration must be safe, orderly and regular”.
