More than 7,646 Nigerians have applied for asylum in Sweden over the past 24 years, making Nigeria one of the top five African sources of asylum seekers in the Nordic nation, according to data from the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket).
The figures covering the period 2000 to 2024 revealed a steady and consistent flow of Nigerian asylum applications, though the numbers have remained far below those of countries facing full-scale conflict.
Between 2000 and 2021, Sweden received 6,783 asylum applications from Nigerians, peaking in 2003 with 452 applications and again in 2013 with 601 applications.
The numbers have been more modest in recent years. In 2022, there were 288 Nigerian applications, followed by 200 in 2023 and a sharp rise to 375 in 2024.
Of the 375 applications received this year, 239 were first-time claims, while 136 were follow-up “extension” requests from people whose temporary status was expiring.
Women made up nearly two-thirds (159) of all first-time claims in 2024, and half of all applicants were between ages 25 and 44 highlighting the youthfulness of those leaving Nigeria.
Notably, no applicant over 64 years old applied in 2024, and 60 of the adults were accompanied by children, with one unaccompanied child registering alone.
Between 2000 and 2021, 132 Nigerian unaccompanied minors applied for asylum in Sweden.
While Nigeria remains West Africa’s largest source of asylum seekers, it trails behind conflict-stricken African nations in overall numbers.
Somalia leads Africa with 54,128 applications since 2000.
Eritrea follows with over 39,000, while Sudan, Libya, Morocco, and the DRC round out the top tier.
Other contributors include Cameroon, Uganda, Egypt, The Gambia, Burundi, Kenya, Algeria, Tunisia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ghana, Guinea, and Mali, though in smaller volumes.
Swedish authorities stress that asylum claims from Nigeria typically do not meet the “war or persecution” thresholds that trigger faster processing for high-risk populations.
In 2024, Nigerian asylum seekers faced an 88% rejection rate, one of the highest globally. Only Colombians fared worse, with a 99% rejection rate.
Authorities say Sweden prioritizes applications linked to armed conflict, political persecution, or statelessness over those based primarily on economic hardship, which is often cited by Nigerian applicants.
Sweden’s asylum policy is anchored in the Aliens Act (Utlänningslagen), incorporating EU asylum directives and the 1951 UN Refugee Convention.
To be granted asylum, applicants must prove refugee status (fear of persecution), subsidiary protection (risk of serious harm), or exceptionally distressing humanitarian circumstances such as life-threatening illness or family reunification.
Since 2015’s record influx of asylum seekers, Sweden has tightened its policies:
Temporary permits have replaced permanent ones in most cases.
Family reunification rules were restricted under a temporary emergency law, later ratified in 2021.
The 2023 Tidö Agreement between the centre-right government and the Sweden Democrats introduced tougher naturalisation criteria and stricter welfare conditions to deter new arrivals.
Commenting on the trend, Abuja-based development economist, Dr. Aliyu Ilias told News Point Nigeria that the steady flow of young Nigerians abroad constitutes a long-term brain drain.
“It is a total brain drain in the long run, and for the economy, it is reducing our GDP. The appalling part is that most of our Nigerian brothers and sisters who go out do not return,” he said.
He linked the rise in asylum applications to Nigeria’s economic downturn, rising insecurity, and high unemployment, saying many citizens view migration even through the uncertain asylum route as a way to secure a more stable future.
Sweden continues to grant the highest number of asylums to Syrians, Afghans, Eritreans, Somalis, Iraqis, Iranians, Ethiopians, Palestinians, Ukrainians, and stateless persons, reflecting its focus on conflict-driven displacement rather than economic migration.
