Canada has turned down 1,596 asylum applications from Nigerians between January and August 2025, according to fresh data released by the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB).
Out of 3,548 claims filed during this period, 2,292 were approved.
This represented an acceptance rate of about 65 per cent, notably higher than in previous years.
Nigeria remains among the top sources of asylum seekers in Canada, alongside Mexico, India, Haiti, and Colombia.
Analysts attribute the steady flow to rising insecurity linked to Boko Haram, widespread economic hardship, and governance challenges.
Most Nigerian claimants are concentrated in Ontario and Alberta.
Under Canadian law, the IRB grants asylum to individuals who fit the UN refugee definition or who face serious risks such as torture, persecution, or cruel treatment if returned to their home country.
Vulnerable groups often considered include women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people living with HIV/AIDS.
Applications are typically submitted at Canadian ports of entry or through immigration officials before referral to the Refugee Protection Division (RPD).
Despite this year’s relatively higher approval rate, Nigerian asylum seekers have historically faced significant rejection numbers.
Between 2013 and 2024, the IRB denied 13,171 applications while approving 10,580.
Rejections peaked in 2019 with nearly 4,000 denials.
In 2024 alone, 811 claims were rejected, compared to 2,230 approvals.
Last year, Nigeria ranked eighth among the top 10 countries with successful asylum claims.
This trails Turkiye, Mexico, Colombia, Iran, Pakistan, Haiti, and Afghanistan.
Speaking on the issue, Imaobong Ladipo-Sanusi, Executive Director of the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF), stressed that a lack of proper knowledge about refugee laws often leads to failed claims.
People Also Read: Shallipopi Announces Dates For Canada Tour “Pluto Xperience”
“Documentation is crucial. Coming irregularly gets you rejected. Migration must be safe, orderly, and regular—and those genuinely in need of protection should be protected,” she said.
