Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney. Credit: Google

Canada has denied 1,596 asylum claims filed by Nigerian nationals so far in 2025, according to fresh data from the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB).

Figures updated to August 21 show that Nigerians filed 3,548 claims this year, of which 2,292 were accepted — an approval rate of about 65 per cent, higher than in previous years when cumulative rejections topped 13,000.

An earlier analysis by Maple Crest Law, a Canadian immigration practice, estimated 3,455 Nigerian asylum claims in early 2025, placing Nigeria among the top sources of asylum seekers alongside Mexico, India, Haiti, and Colombia. The report linked the trend to Boko Haram violence and worsening economic instability at home.

Ontario and Alberta currently host the largest populations of Nigerian asylum seekers.

How Canada Decides Refugee Claims
The IRB grants refugee protection if applicants meet the United Nations definition of a convention refugee or a person in need of protection. This definition, incorporated into Canadian law, applies to those who can show a substantiated fear of persecution due to race, nationality, religion, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group — including sexual orientation, gender identity, or health status such as HIV/AIDS.

Applicants must also show evidence of danger, torture, or risk of cruel and unusual treatment if returned to their country. Claims can be filed at any port of entry or reported directly to an immigration officer. If deemed eligible, the case is referred to the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) to start the process.

Nigeria’s Track Record
Official records show that in 2024 alone, 811 Nigerian claims were rejected while 2,230 were approved. Between 2013 and 2024, the RPD turned down 13,171 applications from Nigerians and accepted 10,580, making Nigeria one of the top five countries in terms of asylum denials.

Rejection numbers peaked in 2019 when 3,951 Nigerian claims were refused. However, approvals also grew, with 10,580 Nigerians granted refugee status within the decade under review, including at least 2,230 in 2024.

Nigeria ranked 8th among the top 10 countries with the most claims accepted in 2024. Other countries on the list included Turkiye (4,866 claims), Mexico (4,363), Colombia (3,340), Iran (3,200), Pakistan (2,556), Haiti (2,211), Afghanistan (1,921), and Kenya (1,653).

Expert Perspective
Imaobong Ladipo-Sanusi, Executive Director of the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation, told Sunday PUNCH that irregular migration driven by economic hardship is a major cause of rejections.

“Most times, many Nigerians miss it when they don’t understand the laws governing refugee status in their chosen destination,” she said. “Documentation is crucial because coming irregularly will get you rejected from their system. But ultimately, everybody’s rights must be protected. Migration must be safe, orderly and regular. Even if their status is irregular, those who really need protection should be protected.”

The Bigger Picture
Canada processed a record 173,000 asylum claims in 2024. Applications eased slightly in 2025 but still remained far above pre-pandemic levels. The IRB has faced criticism over delays and a growing backlog.