…366 deported in 10months in 2025
No fewer than 974 Nigerians are currently awaiting deportation in Canada, according to available data.
They are listed in the country’s “removal-in-progress” queue, indicating that deportation processes have commenced but are yet to be concluded.
Between January and October 2025, Canadian authorities deported 366 Nigerians. Of these, approximately 83% were failed refugee claimants, while around 4% were removed due to criminal offenses. Canadian law mandates that individuals issued enforceable removal orders must leave the country.
Apart from the United Kingdom and the United States, Canada is a major destination for Nigerians. Records indicate that over 71,000 Nigerians obtained Canadian citizenship between 2005 and 2024, with thousands more arriving each year as students, workers, or permanent residents.
Data from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) indicate that Nigeria is the only African country among the top 10 nationalities deported in 2025, ranking ninth. Nigeria also placed fifth among nationalities currently awaiting removal.
The 2025 figures mark a sharp rise, following Nigeria’s absence from Canada’s top 10 deportation list in 2023 and 2024. The numbers also represent an 8% increase compared with 2019.
Canada is currently carrying out an aggressive nationwide enforcement campaign, deporting nearly 400 individuals each week. In the 2024–2025 fiscal year alone, 18,048 foreign nationals were removed, at an estimated cost of around $78 million.
Authorities say the intensified efforts aim to meet immigration targets and reduce pressure on housing, employment, and border security. The initiative is supported by an additional $30.5 million for removals and $1.3 billion for border enforcement.
Meanwhile, immigration lawyers have warned that deportations could rise further if Bill C-12 is passed, a move that could impose permanent bans on certain categories of refugee claims.