The Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia have signed a Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement.
Both countries agreed to begin immediate implementation in line with their respective laws and international obligations.
This was disclosed on Thursday in a statement by Special Assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze
The agreement was facilitated by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and her Ethiopian counterpart, Gideon Timothewos, at a signing ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Addis Ababa.
Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, signed on behalf of Nigeria while Ethiopia’s Minister of Justice, Hanna Arayaselassie, also signed for her country.
Witnesses included 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.
Conveying President Bola Tinubu’s appreciation, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the agreement is rooted in humanity, justice, and international cooperation.
Under the framework, sentenced nationals of either country may be transferred home to serve the remainder of their sentences, subject to agreed conditions and applicable laws.
She noted that family, language, culture, and social support systems are vital to rehabilitation and reintegration, and that correctional systems should punish wrongdoing while providing opportunities for reformation.
“The welfare and protection of Nigerian citizens abroad remain a cardinal responsibility of the Government,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said, adding that citizen-centred diplomacy is a key pillar of Nigeria’s foreign policy.
She urged Nigerians living and travelling abroad to respect the laws of host countries and uphold Nigeria’s good name, while affirming the Government’s commitment to ensuring those in conflict with the law are treated with dignity.
The Minister described the agreement as a testament to deepening Nigeria-Ethiopia cooperation beyond consular affairs, including trade and investment, aviation, security, migration management, regional peace, and advancing Africa’s collective interests in continental and multilateral institutions.
She commended the legal and technical teams from both countries for their professionalism and reiterated Nigeria’s gratitude to Ethiopia for its cooperation and friendship.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu will visit Kaliti and Aba Samuel prisons in Ethiopia on Thursday afternoon. Over 100 Nigerian nationals are currently incarcerated there, including four women.
Four Nigerian prisoners died during the negotiation and ratification process. “We cannot afford to lose any more precious lives. We are determined to bring home the living,” the Minister stated.
Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Gideon Timothewos, said the agreement builds on over six decades of cordial bilateral relations and called for continued coordination on common issues and interests.
More details here...
