974 Nigerians in Canada face imminent deportation – Report

No fewer than 974 Nigerians are currently facing imminent deportation from Canada, official data revealed. 

According to the date from the Canada Border Services Agency, CBSA, the affected individuals are listed under the country’s “removal-in-progress” category, a designation that indicates deportation proceedings have already begun but are yet to be concluded. 

No fewer that 366 Nigerians were deported by Canadian authorities between January and October, 2025.

Out of this number, about 83 per cent represented failed refugee claimants, while criminality accounted for roughly four per cent.

Under Canadian law, individuals issued with enforceable removal orders are required to leave the country. 

Outside the United Kingdom and the United States of America, Canada remains a major destination for Nigerians.

Records show that more than 71,000 Nigerians acquired Canadian citizenship between 2005 and 2024, with thousands more arriving annually as students, workers and permanent residents.

The data 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 represent a sharp increase, following Nigeria’s absence from the top 10 deportation list in 2023 and 2024. 

The data also reflect an eight per cent rise compared with 2019.

Canada is currently implementing an aggressive nationwide enforcement drive, deporting nearly 400 individuals weekly.

In the 2024-2025 fiscal year alone, 18,048 foreign nationals were removed at an estimated cost of about $78 million.

Authorities say the intensified push is aimed at tightening immigration targets and easing pressure on housing, employment and border security.

The effort is being supported with an additional $30.5 million allocated 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. 

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