Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) has granted asylum to 1,467 Nigerian applicants between January 2023 and March 2024, according to recent data from the Refugee Protection Division. This new influx brings the total number of accepted Nigerian asylum claims to 11,370 from 2012 to the first quarter of 2024.
The IRB issues refugee protection if an applicant meets the United Nations' definition of a Convention refugee or demonstrates a need for protection under Canadian law. This definition, incorporated into Canadian legislation, includes those who face persecution due to race, nationality, religion, political beliefs, or membership in specific social groups, such as segxwal orientation, gender identity, and health status.
To qualify for protection, applicants must provide evidence of potential danger, such as torture, threats to life, or cruel and unusual treatment, should they return to their home country. Claims are typically filed upon arrival in Canada or reported to an immigration officer at any port of entry. If deemed eligible, the claim is referred to the IRB’s Refugee Protection Division for further review.
From January 2023 to March 2024, the IRB also rejected 589 Nigerian asylum applications, increasing the total number of rejections to over 12,600 since January 2013.
Historical data reveals fluctuating approval rates for Nigerian asylum seekers:
- 20 in 2012
- 308 in 2013
- 394 in 2014
- 389 in 2015
- 389 in 2016
- 764 in 2017
- 755 in 2018
- 1,733 in 2019
- 1,534 in 2020
- 2,302 in 2021
- 1,315 in 2022
- 1,086 in 2023
- 381 in the first quarter of 2024
In an interview with Saturday PUNCH, Imaobong Ladipo-Sanusi, Executive Director of the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation, described the asylum acceptance rate as reasonable. She highlighted that irregular migration often contributes to high rejection rates.
| Posted: at | |
TRENDING GISTS 
Expect Davido Someday As Governor Of Osun – Formere Senator Ben Murray-Bruce Declares
Panic In Abuja As Pastor Shoots Two Immigration Officers After Being Mistaken Them For Robbers
Retired Teacher, Mallam Kabiru Killed, Wife Abducted As Bandits Invade Zamfara School Quarters
Nigerian Student Suffers Anxiety Attack After Disappointing 2025 UTME Result; Lands In The Hospital (Video)
Army Busts Gunrunning Syndicate in Plateau, Two Arrested With AK-47 (Photos)
Ringside Rumble? Fans Hype Possible Boxing Showdown Between Small Doctor And Portable
16-Year-Old Maths Wizard, Olamide Aderibigbe Scores 336 Overall In UTME; Scores 98 in Maths