 show Nigerians filed 3,548){kind=link}
Canada has turned down 1,596 asylum applications from Nigerians so far in 2025.
Figures from the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) show Nigerians filed 3,548 claims this year. Out of the earlier figures, 2,292 were approved, giving an acceptance rate of 65 per cent.
As reported by Punch, the approval rate is higher than in previous years when cumulative rejections topped 13,000.
A report by Maple Crest Law, a Canadian immigration practice, had earlier estimated 3,455 Nigerian claims in early 2025.
It ranked Nigeria among the top sources of asylum seekers alongside Mexico, India, Haiti and Colombia.
The surge has been linked to Boko Haram violence and worsening economic instability. Ontario and Alberta are home to the largest number of Nigerian asylum seekers.
The IRB said refugee protection is granted if the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) confirms an applicant meets the UN definition of a convention refugee, “which has been incorporated into Canadian law, or that the applicant is a person in need of protection.”
The 1951 UN Convention defines refugees as those who face persecution because of race, nationality, religion, political ideology or membership of a social group. Such groups include sexual orientation, gender identity, women and people living with HIV/AIDS.
Applicants must also show evidence of torture, risk to life or cruel treatment if returned to their home country. Claims are usually made at the port of entry or through an immigration officer.
“The officer decides whether the claim is eligible to be referred to the IRB.
“If the claim is eligible, it is sent (‘referred’) to the RPD to start the claim for refugee protection process,” an application guideline by the Refugee Board reads.
Between 2013 and 2024, the RPD rejected 13,171 Nigerian applications and approved 10,580. Nigeria remains among the top five in volume of denials but is also listed in the top 10 for approvals.
Imaobong Ladipo-Sanusi, Executive Director of the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation, said many rejections are tied to irregular migration.
“Most times, many Nigerians miss it when they don’t understand the laws governing refugee status as adopted in their chosen destination. Every country has its regulations for absorbing people into its system.
“For one, documentation is crucial because coming irregularly will get you rejected from their system. But ultimately, everybody’s rights must be protected.
“Migration must be safe, orderly and regular. Even if their status is irregular, those who really need protection should be protected,” Ladipo-Sanusi told Sunday PUNCH.