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Canada Records Thousands of Nigerian Asylum Claims in 2025 as Applications and Backlog Increase

Canada Records Thousands of Nigerian Asylum Claims in 2025 as Applications and Backlog Increase
Canada recorded thousands of asylum applications from Nigerian nationals in 2025, according to updated immigration data from the country’s Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB), reflecting continued migration pressure and rising refugee protection claims.
Official figures show that Nigerians filed 6,765 asylum claims in 2025, placing Nigeria among the leading countries of origin for asylum seekers in Canada. Out of the total cases processed, 3,463 claims were approved, while 1,377 were rejected, with other applications either withdrawn, abandoned, or placed in different categories.
The report further revealed a significant backlog, with 21,573 Nigerian asylum applications still pending by the end of 2025. This highlights growing pressure on Canada’s asylum system as immigration authorities continue to manage an increasing volume of claims.
Despite variations in approval and rejection outcomes, Nigeria remains one of the top contributors to Canada’s asylum intake. Immigration analysts link the trend to ongoing economic, security, and migration challenges influencing individuals to seek international protection abroad.
Canada’s asylum system, which is mandated to review all refugee claims, continues to experience rising caseloads as global displacement levels increase and more applicants turn to the country for safety and opportunity.


