Canada has stepped up its immigration enforcement like never before, deporting 366 Nigerians between January and October 2025, according to the latest figures from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). On top of that, another 974 Nigerians are currently in the pipeline for removal, listed under the agency's "removal in progress" inventory.These numbers mark a notable shift.
Nigeria now ranks ninth among the top 10 nationalities deported this year, and fifth when it comes to those waiting to be sent back—the only African country on either list. The top spots for deportations go to countries like Mexico with 3,972 removals, India at 2,831, and Haiti with 2,012. For pending cases, India leads with over 6,500, followed by Mexico.Looking back, deportations of Nigerians had been dropping for years: 339 in 2019, down to 302 in 2020, 242 in 2021, and just 199 in 2022.
Nigeria even fell off the top 10 list in 2023 and 2024. But 2025 saw a rebound, with those 366 removals in just 10 months representing about an 8% jump from 2019 levels.
The CBSA is now removing close to 400 foreign nationals every week—the fastest pace in more than a decade. In the 2024-2025 fiscal year alone, Canada deported 18,048 people overall, at a cost of around $78 million.
Most of these cases involve failed refugee claims, though some stem from criminal or security issues.Even with the tougher stance, Canada continues to draw many Nigerians looking for better opportunities in education and work.
The 2021 census showed over 40,000 Nigerians arriving between 2016 and 2021, making them the largest African immigrant group and the fifth-biggest recent arrivals overall.
Thousands more have gained permanent residency or citizenship in recent years.As housing pressures and other domestic challenges mount, experts like Aisling Bondy, president of the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers, warn that pending legislation such as Bill C-12 could make things even stricter, potentially barring more people from claiming refuge.
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