By Fatima Saka
The Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia have signed a landmark Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement, paving the way for the repatriation of convicted nationals to serve the remainder of their prison terms in their home countries.
The agreement, which both countries have committed to implement immediately in line with their respective laws and international obligations, was formalised in Addis Ababa at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and her Ethiopian counterpart, Gideon Timothewos, facilitated the diplomatic milestone, while Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), signed on behalf of Nigeria. Ethiopia’s Justice Minister, Ms Hanna Arayaselassie, signed for her country.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by key officials, including Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, Nasir Aminu, representatives of the Nigeria Correctional Service, and the Commissioner General of the Ethiopian Federal Prison Commission.
Speaking at the event, Odumegwu-Ojukwu conveyed the appreciation of President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian people, describing the agreement as one rooted in humanity, justice, and international cooperation.
She explained that under the new legal framework, convicted persons who are nationals of either country may be transferred to their home country, subject to agreed conditions, to complete their sentences.
“This arrangement recognises the critical role of family, language, culture, and social support systems in the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders,” she said. “It underscores our shared understanding that correctional systems must not only punish wrongdoing but also promote reformation and reintegration.”
The minister reiterated that the welfare and protection of Nigerians abroad remain a top priority of the Federal Government, especially under its citizen-centred foreign policy.
She also urged Nigerians living and travelling abroad to respect the laws of their host countries, while assuring that those who encounter legal challenges will be treated with dignity and in accordance with established legal frameworks.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that the agreement reflects a deepening of bilateral relations between Nigeria and Ethiopia, extending beyond consular matters to include cooperation in trade, aviation, security, migration management, and regional peace.
In a poignant remark, she revealed that four Nigerian prisoners had died in Ethiopian custody during the prolonged negotiation and ratification process.
“We cannot afford to lose any more precious lives. We are determined to bring home the living,” she stated.
As part of her visit, the minister is scheduled to visit Kaliti and Aba Samuel prisons in Ethiopia, where over 100 Nigerians, including four women, are currently incarcerated.
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Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Gideon Timothewos, emphasised the longstanding relationship between both nations, which spans over six decades, and called for sustained collaboration on shared interests through continuous consultation and coordination.
The agreement is widely seen as a significant step toward strengthening consular cooperation and promoting a more humane justice system across both countries.
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