Recent statistics from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reveal that Nigeria is the sole African country listed among the top ten nationalities facing deportation in Canada as of June 30, 2026.
With 1,647 Nigerian nationals currently in the deportation pipeline, Nigeria ranks fifth behind India, Mexico, the United States, and China. This places Nigeria ahead of countries such as Colombia, Pakistan, Brazil, Chile, and Bangladesh.
Deportation Trends for Nigerians
The data indicates a rising trend in deportations of Nigerian citizens. In the first half of 2026 alone, 205 Nigerians have been deported, adding to 438 removals in 2025 and 242 in 2021. This upward trajectory highlights increased enforcement actions targeting Nigerians.
Immigration experts attribute this to a combination of factors including a high number of failed asylum claims, visa overstays, unauthorized work, and misrepresentations in permit applications. Canada’s asylum backlog has surged from around 70,000 cases in late 2022 to over 270,000, with many Nigerian applicants unsuccessful.
Broader Context of Deportations in Canada
Canada has seen a significant increase in total deportations across all nationalities, rising from 7,523 in 2021 to 23,160 in 2025. In the first half of 2026, over 10,600 people were removed, averaging approximately 400 deportations weekly—the highest rate in more than a decade.
A CBSA spokesperson emphasized that individuals without valid status or with rejected claims are required to leave, underscoring the agency's commitment to enforcing immigration laws.
Advice for Nigerian Residents in Canada
Advocacy groups are urging Nigerians in Canada to seek legal advice promptly and to adhere strictly to visa conditions. They recommend utilizing all available appeal options to delay or prevent removal.
As deportation efforts continue to intensify, Nigerian communities are advised to remain vigilant and informed about their rights and legal pathways.
