Nigeria and Ethiopia have signed a landmark prisoner transfer agreement that will allow convicted citizens of either country to complete their jail terms at home, a move both nations say will strengthen consular ties and advance humanitarian justice.
The Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement was signed Thursday in Addis Ababa by Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and Ethiopia’s Justice Minister Hanna Arayaselassie.
The signing, witnessed by senior officials from both governments, was facilitated by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and her Ethiopian counterpart Gideon Timothewos.
Under the pact, eligible nationals convicted in either country can apply to be transferred back to serve the remainder of their sentences, subject to legal requirements and bilateral conditions.
Both governments said the arrangement recognizes the role of family, language, culture, and social ties in rehabilitation and reintegration.
Speaking at the ceremony, Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the accord as a reflection of shared commitment to justice, humanity, and international cooperation.
She said modern correctional systems must go beyond punishment to create room for reform.
“For Nigeria, the welfare and protection of Nigerian citizens abroad remain a cardinal responsibility of government, particularly at a time when citizen-centred diplomacy is a key pillar of our foreign policy,” she stated.
The minister urged Nigerians abroad to obey host country laws and project a positive image of the nation. While stressing that offenders must face consequences, she added that they should still be treated with dignity and have their rights protected under legal frameworks.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted the agreement also deepens Nigeria-Ethiopia cooperation in trade, investment, aviation, security, migration management, and regional peace.
She commended legal experts and technical teams from both sides whose work concluded the negotiations, she revealed that four Nigerians died in Ethiopian custody while ratification and legal reviews were ongoing.
With over 100 Nigerians currently in Ethiopian prisons, including four women, she stressed the need for swift implementation.
“We cannot afford to lose any more precious lives. We are determined to bring home the living,” she declared.
As part of her visit, the minister will inspect Kaliti and Aba Samuel prisons, where many Nigerian inmates are held. The agreement is expected to fast-track prisoner transfers and deepen judicial and diplomatic collaboration while addressing humanitarian concerns around foreign inmates.
