Nigerian inmates in Ethiopia are in a celebratory mood as the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia recently signed a Prisoner Transfer Agreement (PTA) for persons who have been sentenced in the country. The agreement, facilitated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, will lead to the transfer of over 100 Nigerians from Ethiopian prisons back to Nigeria.
Details of the Agreement
The media aide to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Magnus Eze, in a statement released, explained that under the legal framework, sentenced persons who are nationals of either country may, subject to agreed conditions and applicable laws, be transferred to their home country to serve the remainder of their sentences.
“This arrangement recognises the important role that family, language, culture, and social support systems play in the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders. It also reflects our shared understanding that correctional systems should not only punish wrongdoing but should equally provide opportunities for rehabilitation, reformation, and eventual reintegration into society. 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,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
Challenges and Celebrations
Four Nigerian inmates had died while the negotiations, judicial vetting, and final ratification process were still ongoing. A video shared online showed the Nigerian inmates celebrating following the signing of the agreement.
