More than 7,600 Nigerians have applied for asylum in Sweden over the past two decades, according to figures from the Swedish Migration Agency.
According to The PUNCH, data obtained from the agency’s records between 2000 and 2024 shows that Nigerians consistently sought protection in the Nordic country, although their approval rate remains very low.
Between 2000 and 2021 alone, at least 6,783 applications were filed. The trend continued in recent years, with 288 applications in 2022, 200 in 2023, and 375 in 2024. Of last year’s figure, 239 were fresh claims while 136 were extensions by individuals whose temporary permits were expiring.
Women accounted for nearly two-thirds of all first-time Nigerian applications in 2024, and most applicants were between the ages of 25 and 44. Records also show that children frequently accompany adult applicants, with one unaccompanied Nigerian minor applying for protection in both 2023 and 2024.
The data further revealed that 132 unaccompanied minors from Nigeria sought asylum in Sweden between 2000 and 2021.
Although Nigeria is among the top five African sources of asylum seekers in Sweden, the numbers are far lower compared to conflict-torn countries such as Somalia and Eritrea. Somalia alone accounted for more than 54,000 applications since 2000, while Eritrea recorded over 39,000.
A major concern for Nigerian applicants is the rejection rate. In 2024, 88 per cent of claims from Nigeria were denied, placing the country among those with the highest refusal rates. Only Colombians fared worse, with a 99 per cent rejection rate.
Explaining the policy stance, Swedish authorities said that applications linked to war, persecution, and statelessness are prioritised, while economic migration has historically been treated with skepticism.
Abuja-based development economist, Dr. Aliyu Ilias, warned that the steady outflow of Nigerians posed long-term risks to the country’s economy.
He told Saturday PUNCH: “The continuous exit of Nigerians means we are losing skilled labour. It is a total brain drain in the long run, and that reduces our GDP. The appalling part is that most of our brothers and sisters who leave hardly ever return.”
Sweden’s asylum policy has also become more restrictive in recent years. Since 2022, the country has shifted to temporary residence permits, tightened deportation enforcement, and limited family reunification rights.
Under the 2023 Tidö Agreement, the government imposed what it described as “the EU’s minimum level” of protection, designed to deter irregular migration.
As a result, Nigerian asylum seekers now face tougher hurdles in proving their claims. To be considered, applicants must demonstrate persecution, risk of torture or death, or exceptionally distressing humanitarian circumstances.
Despite these challenges, analysts say economic hardship and insecurity in Nigeria will continue to push many to attempt the asylum route.
