Between January 2013 and December 2024, the Canadian government rejected 13,171 asylum applications from Nigerian nationals. In 2024 alone, 811 Nigerian applicants were denied refugee protection. These figures position Nigeria as the fifth-highest country in terms of asylum rejections by Canada, following Mexico, India, Haiti, and Colombia.
The Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) grants refugee protection if applicants meet the United Nations definition of a Convention refugee or are deemed persons in need of protection. Despite the high number of rejections, Canada approved refugee status for 10,580 Nigerians during the same period, with 2,230 approvals in 2024.
In recent years, Canada has experienced a decrease in overall asylum claims, partly due to the issuance of fewer visas. In January 2025, approximately 11,840 individuals filed asylum claims, a significant drop from the 19,821 claims in July 2024. This decline has raised concerns among refugee advocates, as reduced visa approvals may compel individuals seeking safety to resort to perilous routes or remain in uncertain conditions within refugee camps.
