The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to sign an agreement with the Government of Ethiopia to facilitate the transfer of over 100 Nigerian prisoners currently incarcerated in Ethiopian correctional facilities back to their home country. The announcement was made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who confirmed that the affected individuals are being held at the Kaliti Prisons and AbaSamuel Prisons in Ethiopia.
The Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement represents a bilateral pact between the two nations, with the signing ceremony scheduled to take place later today. Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed the Nigerian government's appreciation for Ethiopia's cooperation, stating that the welfare of Nigerian citizens abroad remains a top priority for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
During her remarks, the minister disclosed that four Nigerian prisoners had died during the period of negotiations, judicial vetting, and the final ratification process. She emphasized that Nigeria cannot afford to lose any more precious lives and is determined to bring the remaining living prisoners home as soon as possible.
The agreement, according to Odumegwu-Ojukwu, is rooted in the principles of humanity, justice, and cooperation between the two nations. While encouraging Nigerian citizens abroad to respect the laws of their host countries and uphold the nation's good name, the minister reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring that those who find themselves in conflict with the law are treated with dignity and accorded their rights under applicable legal frameworks.
This development underscores Nigeria's ongoing efforts to protect its citizens abroad and strengthen bilateral relations with Ethiopia.
