What keeps it alive
Spain is a significant destination for Nigerian migrants attempting to reach Europe. The Canary Islands route is a primary irregular migration corridor. Spain has deported Nigerians and signed readmission agreements.
Active drivers
TRADE · DIASPORA
Anchors
Migration management agreements · Trade · EU framework
Accountability
The Canary Islands route claimed hundreds of lives. Spain and EU partner countries' border externalisation policies — paying third countries to contain migration — have been criticised as pushing migrants toward more dangerous routes.
Key moments
- 1962Diplomatic relations formalised.
- 2023Canary Islands route saw record arrivals of sub-Saharan Africans including Nigerians.