Fresh data from Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) show that between January and August 21, 2025, Nigerian nationals filed 3,548 asylum claims. Of these, 2,292 were accepted and 1,596 denied, reflecting a 65% approval rate — higher than in previous years when rejections surpassed 13,000.
Nigeria remains one of the top sources of asylum seekers in Canada, alongside Mexico, India, Haiti, and Colombia. Many Nigerians cite Boko Haram violence and economic instability as key drivers. Ontario and Alberta host the largest numbers of claimants.
Under Canadian law, refugee protection is granted if the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) confirms applicants meet the UN definition of a refugee or face risks such as persecution, torture, or cruel treatment.
Rejection figures over the past decade peaked in 2019 with nearly 4,000 denials, though approvals have also been significant — more than 10,500 Nigerians were granted refugee status between 2013 and 2024, including 2,230 in 2024 alone.
Experts note that irregular migration and weak documentation contribute to high rejection rates. Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation director Imaobong Ladipo-Sanusi stressed the need for safe, orderly, and regular migration, adding that even those with irregular status deserve protection if they face genuine risks.
