Nigeria and Ethiopia have signed a Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement aimed at allowing convicted citizens of both countries to serve the remainder of their prison terms in their home nations, in a move both governments described as a major humanitarian and diplomatic milestone.
The agreement was signed in Addis Ababa by Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and Ethiopia’s Minister of Justice, Hanna Arayaselassie, with the foreign ministers of both countries facilitating the process.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said the agreement would be implemented immediately in accordance with the laws and international obligations of both countries.
She described the pact as being rooted in the principles of humanity, justice and international cooperation, noting that it would enable sentenced nationals of either country to be transferred home under agreed conditions to complete their prison terms.
According to her, the framework recognises the importance of family ties, language, culture and social support systems in the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders.
“This arrangement recognises the important role that family, language, culture and social support systems play in the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders,” she said, adding that correctional systems should provide opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration alongside punishment.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu reiterated that the welfare and protection of Nigerians abroad remain a key responsibility of the Federal Government, especially under its citizen-centred diplomacy policy.
She, however, urged Nigerians living and travelling abroad to obey the laws of their host countries and conduct themselves in ways that uphold the country’s image.
The minister said the agreement reflected the commitment of both nations to strengthening consular cooperation and promoting a more humane approach to justice administration.
She added that the pact further underscores growing cooperation between Nigeria and Ethiopia in trade, investment, aviation, security, migration management, regional peace and security, as well as continental affairs.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, Nasir Aminu, officials of the Nigeria Correctional Service, and representatives of the Ethiopian Federal Prison Commission.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu is also expected to visit Kaliti and Aba Samuel prisons in Ethiopia, where more than 100 Nigerian nationals, including four women, are currently incarcerated.
The minister revealed that four Nigerian prisoners had died during the lengthy negotiation, judicial vetting and ratification process leading to the agreement.
“We cannot afford to lose any more precious lives. We are determined to bring home the living,” she said.
Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Gideon Timothewos, described relations between both countries as cordial and longstanding, spanning more than six decades. He called for sustained coordination and consultation to further deepen bilateral cooperation on issues of common interest.
The agreement is expected to pave the way for the transfer of eligible prisoners between both countries and strengthen legal and consular collaboration. :::
