The Federal Government of Nigeria and Ethiopia have signed a bilateral agreement that will allow 100 Nigerian nationals serving prison terms in Ethiopia to be transferred back home to complete their sentences in Nigeria. The agreement, known as the Transfer of Sentenced Persons pact, was concluded at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Addis Ababa, marking a significant step in consular and judicial cooperation between both countries.
Diplomatic Engagement
Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Gideon Timothewos, facilitated the diplomatic engagement that led to the signing. Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), signed on behalf of the Federal Government, while Ethiopia was represented by its Minister of Justice, Ms. Hanna Arayaselassie. The signing was witnessed by senior officials from both countries, including representatives of the Nigeria Correctional Service, the Ethiopian Federal Prison Commission, and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, Nasir Aminu.
Humane and Justice-Driven Initiative
Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the agreement as a humane and justice-driven initiative rooted in shared values and stronger bilateral relations. She said the arrangement recognizes the importance of cultural and social ties in the rehabilitation of offenders and supports their reintegration into society after serving their sentences. “This arrangement recognizes the important role that family, language, culture, and social support systems play in the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders,” she said.
According to her, the agreement also reflects Nigeria’s citizen-centred foreign policy, which prioritises the welfare of Nigerians abroad. “For Nigeria, the welfare and protection of Nigerian citizens abroad remain a cardinal responsibility of the Government, particularly at a period when citizen-centred diplomacy remains a key pillar of our foreign policy objectives,” she said.
She urged Nigerians abroad to obey the laws of their host countries, stressing that respect for local laws remains essential to maintaining the country’s international image. Odumegwu-Ojukwu further noted that the agreement strengthens broader cooperation between Nigeria and Ethiopia in areas such as trade, migration management, aviation, security, and regional peace efforts. She added that both countries share a commitment to advancing African interests within regional and multilateral platforms.
Visit to Prisons
The minister is also scheduled to visit Kaliti and Aba Samuel prisons in Ethiopia, where over 100 Nigerian inmates are currently held, including four women. She expressed concern over the deaths of four Nigerian prisoners during the negotiation and ratification process, stressing the urgency of humane intervention. “We cannot afford to lose any more precious lives. We are determined to bring home the living,” she said.
Long-Standing Relations
Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Gideon Timothewos, said the agreement reflects the long-standing cordial relations between both countries, which span more than six decades. He called for continued collaboration in areas of mutual interest, including diplomacy, security cooperation, and continental development. The agreement is expected to pave the way for coordinated implementation in line with both countries’ legal frameworks and international obligations.
