Canada deported 366 Nigerian nationals between January and October 2025, official figures from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) show, marking a significant uptick in removals amid an intensified immigration enforcement campaign.
In addition to those already removed, 974 Nigerians are currently listed under “removal in progress,” awaiting deportation as part of the ongoing effort, according to CBSA data last updated on November 25, 2025.
Nigeria ranked ninth among the top countries whose citizens were deported during the period and fifth in the backlog of pending removals—the only African nation to feature in both categories.
Historical data shows fluctuations in deportations: 339 Nigerians were removed in 2019, dropping to 199 by 2022, and Nigeria re-entered the top 10 in 2025 with its current figures.
The deportation surge comes as the CBSA steps up enforcement, now removing nearly 400 foreign nationals weekly, the highest pace in over a decade. In the 2024–2025 fiscal year, Canadian authorities executed 18,048 removals at an estimated cost of around $78 million.
Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, the CBSA is obligated to enforce removal orders against foreign nationals deemed inadmissible for various reasons—including failed refugee claims, criminality, misrepresentation, or failure to comply with immigration law. CBSA figures indicate failed refugee claims account for most removals, while criminal-related cases form a smaller share.
The spike in removals has sparked concern among immigration advocates, who warn of further increases if proposed legislation tightening refugee claim processes is enacted.
Despite enforcement actions, Canada remains a major destination for Nigerians seeking economic and educational opportunities: the 2021 Canadian census recorded over 40,000 Nigerian migrants between 2016 and 2021, and tens of thousands more have since acquired permanent residency or citizenship.
