By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
Nigeria and Ethiopia have signed a bilateral Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement, paving the way for convicted citizens of both countries to serve the remainder of their prison terms in their home nations.
The agreement, signed in Addis Ababa on Thursday, is expected to take immediate effect in line with the domestic laws and international obligations of both countries.
Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), signed on behalf of Nigeria, while Ethiopia’s Minister of Justice, Hanna Arayaselassie, signed for Ethiopia. The signing was facilitated by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Timothewos.
The 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.
Speaking at the event, Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the agreement as a significant humanitarian and diplomatic achievement rooted in the principles of justice, humanity, and international cooperation.
She explained that under the new framework, nationals of either country who have been convicted and sentenced may be transferred to their home country to complete their prison terms, subject to agreed conditions and applicable laws.
According to the minister, the arrangement recognizes the importance of family ties, language, culture, and social support systems in the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders.
She emphasized that while correctional systems must hold offenders accountable, they should also provide opportunities for rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed that the welfare and protection of Nigerians abroad remain a key responsibility of the Federal Government, particularly under Nigeria’s citizen-centred foreign policy.
She urged Nigerians living and travelling overseas to obey the laws of their host countries and conduct themselves in ways that uphold the country’s image. However, she stressed that Nigerians who come into conflict with the law abroad should still be treated with dignity and accorded their rights under established legal frameworks.
The minister said the agreement reflects the determination of both countries to strengthen consular cooperation and adopt a more humane approach to justice administration.
She noted that beyond consular matters, Nigeria and Ethiopia continue to deepen collaboration in trade and investment, aviation, security, migration management, regional peace and security, and the promotion of Africa’s interests in continental and multilateral institutions.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also commended the legal experts, officials, and technical teams from both countries whose efforts made the agreement possible, while expressing appreciation to the Ethiopian government for its continued friendship and cooperation.
As part of her visit to Ethiopia, the minister is expected to visit the Kaliti and Aba Samuel prisons, where more than 100 Nigerians, including four women, are currently incarcerated.
She disclosed that four Nigerian inmates died while negotiations, judicial reviews, and ratification processes for the agreement were ongoing.
“We cannot afford to lose any more precious lives. We are determined to bring home the living,” she said.
In his remarks, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gideon Timothewos said the longstanding bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Ethiopia, spanning more than six decades, should be strengthened through continuous consultation and cooperation on issues of mutual interest.
The prisoner transfer agreement is expected to further enhance judicial cooperation between the two African nations while promoting the welfare and rehabilitation of their citizens serving prison sentences abroad.
