FG ASSURES RETURNING INMATES OF SKILLS ACQUISITION, BETTER REINTEGRATION PATHWAYS
Read Time:2 Minute, 17 Second
By: Fasasi Hammad
The Federal Government has pledged to provide technical training, skills development, and other reintegration programmes for Nigerian inmates who are expected to be transferred from prisons in Ethiopia, as preparations intensify for the repatriation of about 94 eligible prisoners under a newly signed bilateral agreement.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Magnus Eze, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the inmates in rebuilding their lives and acquiring lawful means of livelihood upon their return to Nigeria.
She made the commitment during a visit to Nigerian prisoners at Aba Samuel Prison in Ethiopia, where she encouraged them to focus on rehabilitation and personal development ahead of their eventual transfer.
Ethiopian authorities disclosed that around 98 Nigerian inmates fall under the agreement, but only those who voluntarily agree to the transfer and have at least one year left on their sentences qualify, leaving approximately 94 eligible for repatriation.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the government would continue to create opportunities for technical and vocational training, capacity building, and other empowerment initiatives aimed at equipping the inmates with useful skills for reintegration into society.
“The government also remains committed to providing avenues for technical training, for capacity building, for other pathways that will enhance your skills and provide better opportunities for a legitimate living,” she said.
She further advised the inmates to avoid returning to the actions that led to their imprisonment and to embrace a new path upon their return to Nigeria.
The minister also urged full cooperation with prison authorities to complete the necessary consent and documentation required for the transfer process.
She noted that the prisoner transfer arrangement was based on humanitarian principles and reflected Nigeria’s commitment to the dignity and welfare of its citizens abroad.
Meanwhile, Assistant Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Aminu Yusuf, representing the Controller General, assured the inmates that adequate arrangements had been made for their reception and subsequent processing upon return.
He explained that they would first be received at Kuje Correctional Centre before further documentation and possible relocation to facilities closer to their families, where applicable.
“After we have received you in Kuje Correctional Centre, all other formalities, documentations and relocations will certainly take place… the Controller General has the discretion to move you to locations deemed appropriate or closer to your families,” he said.
He added that the service looked forward to welcoming them back home.
Speaking on behalf of the inmates, their spokesperson (name withheld) expressed appreciation to both governments for finalising the agreement and pledged that the prisoners would behave responsibly if eventually repatriated to Nigeria.
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