Between January and October 2025, Canada deported 366 Nigerians, marking its most aggressive immigration enforcement in over a decade, with 974 Nigerians currently in removal proceedings.
Nigerian deportations have fluctuated over recent years, dropping from over 339 in 2019 to fewer in subsequent years, but rebounding in 2025.
The surge aligns with Canada’s intensified crackdown, which now removes nearly 400 foreigners weekly, costing about $78 million annually.
Most removals involve failed refugee claimants, and Nigeria is the only African country among the top deported nationals in 2025.
Despite these deportations, Nigeria remains a significant source of immigrants to Canada, with over 40,000 Nigerians migrating between 2016 and 2021, and over 71,000 obtaining Canadian citizenship since 2005.
Canada’s aging population and labor needs continue to attract Nigerian professionals and students.