A Country Policy Information Note (CPIN) is a Home Office document setting out the UK government's position on country conditions for asylum decision-making. CPINs are not binding on immigration tribunals but carry significant weight. For Nigerian asylum claims, multiple CPINs have been updated in 2025 to 2026, making current knowledge essential for both solicitors and expert witnesses.
This guide provides a quick reference to all current Nigeria CPINs, summarises the EUAA Country Guidance Nigeria 2026, and explains how expert reports relate to and may challenge CPIN findings. It is designed for UK immigration solicitors, Legal Aid practitioners, and barristers instructing Nigeria country experts.
Current Nigeria CPINs: Quick Reference Table
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| CPIN Topic | Version/Date | Key Finding |
|---|---|---|
| Actors of Protection | August 2024 | Protection generally limited outside Lagos/Abuja |
| Separatist Groups South-East (IPOB) | April 2026 | Members/supporters face arrest risk |
| SOGIESC | June 2025 | State protection generally unavailable for LGBTQ+ |
| FGM | Updated 2024 | Enforcement of prohibition inconsistent |
| Trafficking of Women | Updated 2024 | State protection inadequate for victims |
| Medical Treatment | December 2025 | Variable access to healthcare |
| Internal Relocation | Current | Lagos and Abuja viable for some profiles |
June 2025 SOGIESC CPIN
The June 2025 CPIN on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) in Nigeria confirms that state protection is generally unavailable for LGBTQ+ individuals. SSMPA 2013 criminalises same-sex conduct nationwide, with death penalty under Sharia in 12 northern states. See the LGBTQ+ asylum profile and LGBTQ+ expert evidence guide.
April 2026 IPOB & Separatist Groups CPIN
The April 2026 CPIN on separatist groups in Nigeria's South-East covers IPOB, MASSOB, and related movements. Members and supporters face arrest risk. Expert evidence addresses proscription, diaspora activity, and profile-specific risk. See the IPOB & Biafra profile and IPOB expert evidence guide.
EUAA Country Guidance Nigeria 2026
The European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) published Country Guidance Nigeria 2026 in March 2026. While primarily intended for EU member states, UK tribunals may consider EUAA guidance alongside Home Office CPINs, particularly where the guidance provides more recent or detailed analysis.
Key EUAA 2026 findings relevant to UK practice include: state protection is generally unavailable for LGBTQ+ individuals nationwide; IPOB members and supporters face real risk in the South-East; state protection is limited in North-Eastern states affected by Boko Haram; and internal relocation to Lagos or Abuja is profile- specific rather than universally available.
August 2024 Actors of Protection CPIN
The August 2024 updated CPIN on actors of protection confirms that protection is generally available in Lagos and Abuja for many profiles, but is limited or unavailable for LGBTQ+ individuals, IPOB members, Boko Haram targets in the North-East, and trafficking victims in high-risk areas. See the actors of protection profile.
Internal Relocation: Lagos & Abuja
Lagos and Abuja are frequently proposed as internal relocation alternatives. Viability depends entirely on the appellant's profile. LGBTQ+ Nigerians generally cannot safely relocate because SSMPA enforcement applies nationwide. See the internal relocation profile and internal relocation analysis service.
How Expert Reports Relate to CPINs
Expert witnesses do not simply reproduce CPIN content. The expert's role is to provide independent, objective analysis of whether the appellant's specific profile creates a real risk, applying current field research and source citations beyond the CPIN. Reports that merely restate CPIN findings without independent analysis are identified as a red flag in the Adam Pipe October 2025 guide.
Where the CPIN supports the appellant, the expert confirms and applies the CPIN to the individual profile. Where the CPIN does not support the appellant, the expert may challenge CPIN findings with field research, NGO reports, and profile-specific evidence. See our CPIN challenge reports service.
Legal Aid Compatibility
Most Nigeria expert reports in asylum proceedings are Legal Aid funded through the Legal Aid Agency (LAA). Prior authority is required before instruction. See our how to instruct page for the LAA prior authority process and typical UK Legal Aid rates.
All Nigerian Asylum Profiles
Solicitor Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a CPIN in UK asylum law?
A Country Policy Information Note (CPIN) is a Home Office document setting out the UK government's position on country conditions for asylum decision-making. CPINs are not binding on immigration tribunals but carry significant weight. Nigeria has multiple updated CPINs in 2025 to 2026 covering SOGIESC, IPOB, actors of protection, FGM, and trafficking.
Which Nigeria CPINs were updated in 2025 to 2026?
Key updates include the June 2025 SOGIESC CPIN, April 2026 Separatist Groups South-East (IPOB) CPIN, August 2024 Actors of Protection CPIN, updated 2024 FGM and Trafficking of Women CPINs, December 2025 Medical Treatment CPIN, and EUAA Country Guidance Nigeria 2026 published March 2026.
Can expert evidence challenge Home Office CPIN findings?
Yes. Expert witnesses provide independent analysis beyond CPIN reproduction. Where the CPIN does not reflect the appellant's profile, the expert may challenge findings with field research, NGO reports, and profile-specific evidence on actors of protection, internal relocation, and SOGIESC.