The European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) has just published a new Country of Origin Information (COI) report on Nigeria, which examines the security situation in the country and its impact on civilians, through a regional breakdown. It also looks into the issue of human trafficking and identifies selected profiles of relevance for the assessment of Nigerian applications for international protection by EU+ countries.

Nigeria’s security situation is complex, marked by the involvement of different state and non-state actors in conflicts and human rights violations. While criminality is reported as the primary source of violence, the EUAA report also highlights several major conflict drivers, including attacks by Islamist groups, counter-insurgency operations, criminal and cult-related violence, separatist movements, and clashes between farmers and herders.  Banditry and kidnappings also contributed to the country’s instability. In 2023, approximately 75 % of fatalities were reported in the north of Nigeria. That year, election-related violence added to the volatile environment.

Nigeria is also a country of origin, transit and destination for sex trafficking and forced labour, involving both children and adults. In 2022, it ranked first in terms of countries of origin for victims of trafficking in human beings in the EU. In this context, the report delves into the specific situation of women and girls, as well as LGBTIQ persons, offering insight into some of their unique challenges.

EU Asylum situation for Nigerian nationals

Between January 2023 and March 2024, Nigerians lodged 21 000 applications for international protection in the EU+.  Monthly levels fluctuated between 1 100 and 1 700. The latter was recorded in March 2024, when Nigerians lodged the most applications since May 2022. However, compared to the previous 15 months, Nigerian applications have decreased slightly in the EU+. Around 74% of all Nigerians were first-time applicants and there were hardly any self-claimed unaccompanied minors. The main receiving countries for Nigerians were Italy, followed by France, Ireland, and Germany.

During these 15 months, EU+ countries issued approximately 16 000 decisions at first instance on Nigerian applications, with 14% of the decisions granting refugee status and subsidiary protection. At the end of March 2024, there were 15 000 cases pending at first instance, up by around 500 cases compared to January 2023.