Spain-Nigeria Relations and the Management of Nigerian Migrants in Spain

This study examines the bilateral relationship between Spain and Nigeria as shaped by the management of Nigerian migrant communities in Spain. Spain has emerged as a significant destination for Nigerian migrants, including irregular arrivals via the Canary Islands and the Western Mediterranean route, as well as documented migrants working in agriculture, hospitality, and care sectors. The bilateral relationship has been characterised by cooperation on immigration control alongside Spain's obligations under EU asylum and migration law. This descriptive research uses secondary sources including Spanish government migration statistics, EU Frontex reports, reports from Nigerian diaspora organisations in Spain, and academic articles published between 2020 and 2024. The study examines the profile of Nigerian migrants in Spain, their integration experiences, and the effectiveness of Spain-Nigeria bilateral cooperation mechanisms in addressing irregular migration. Particular focus is placed on migrants from Nigeria's South-West and North-Central regions who form a significant portion of documented Nigerian workers in Spanish agriculture. The research also considers how Spanish government deportation policies and bilateral readmission agreements affect the rights and wellbeing of Nigerian nationals. Findings contribute to undergraduate understanding of south-south migration management within the framework of EU-Africa bilateral relations. Keywords: Spain-Nigeria relations, Nigerian migrants, irregular migration, bilateral cooperation, EU migration.