NIGERIA, ETHIOPIA SIGN LANDMARK PRISONER TRANSFER AGREEMENT
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By ‘Sefiu Ajape
The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Government of Ethiopia have signed a landmark agreement that will allow convicted citizens of both countries to return to their home nations to serve the remainder of their prison sentences.
The development was disclosed on Friday by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in a post shared on X, formerly Twitter.
According to the minister, the agreement was signed at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and marks a significant step in consular cooperation and humanitarian justice between both countries.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and Ethiopia’s Minister of Justice, Hanna Arayaselassie, signed the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement in the presence of senior government officials from both nations.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the pact as “a major milestone, marking a major step in consular cooperation and humanitarian justice between our two nations.”
She noted that the agreement would enable sentenced citizens of either country to return home and complete their prison terms under their respective correctional systems.
The minister also commended officials, experts and technical teams from Nigeria and Ethiopia for their contributions to the successful conclusion of the negotiations.
Speaking on the significance of the agreement, Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, said both countries enjoy “longstanding bilateral ties dating back to the 1960s” and stressed the need for continued coordination and consultation on issues of mutual interest.
According to Odumegwu-Ojukwu, “This accord is a reflection of the shared commitment of our two nations to justice, and to a more humane approach to custodial administration.”
She added that the arrangement recognises “the critical role of family support, language, culture and social connections in the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders,” while creating opportunities for reform and eventual reintegration into society.
The minister further stated that the agreement aligns with Nigeria’s citizen-centred diplomacy policy, noting that “the welfare and protection of our citizens abroad remains a key pillar of our foreign policy.”
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