Nigeria, Ethiopia Sign Prisoner Transfer Agreement, Move For Immediate Implementation

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ABUJA – Nigeria and Ethiopia have signed a landmark Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement, paving the way for convicted nationals of both countries to serve the remainder of their prison terms in their home countries.

The agreement, signed in Addis Ababa, according to a statement by the Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Magnus Eze, on Thursday, marks a major step in strengthening consular cooperation and advancing a more humane approach to the administration of justice between the two African nations.

Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), signed the agreement on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, while Ethiopia’s Minister of Justice, Hanna Arayaselassie, signed for the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

The signing ceremony was facilitated by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Gideon Timothewos, at the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Addis Ababa.

Also present at the ceremony were Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, Ambassador Nasir Aminu, officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service, and the Commissioner-General of the Ethiopian Federal Prison Commission, among other dignitaries.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu conveyed the appreciation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian people, describing the agreement as one founded on the principles of humanity, justice, and international cooperation.

She explained that under the framework, convicted persons who are nationals of either country may, subject to agreed conditions and applicable laws, be transferred to their home country to complete their prison sentences.

“This arrangement recognizes the important role that family, language, culture, and social support systems play in the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders. It also reflects our shared understanding that correctional systems should not only punish wrongdoing but should equally provide opportunities for rehabilitation, reformation, and eventual reintegration into one’s society,” she said.

The minister emphasized that the welfare and protection of Nigerians abroad remain a key responsibility of the Federal Government, particularly under Nigeria’s citizen-centred foreign policy.

“For Nigeria, the welfare and protection of Nigerian citizens abroad remain a cardinal responsibility of the Government, particularly at a period when citizen-centred diplomacy remains a key pillar of our foreign policy objectives,” she stated.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu urged Nigerians living and travelling abroad to respect the laws of their host countries and conduct themselves in ways that uphold the country’s image.

However, she reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that Nigerians who come into conflict with the law abroad are treated with dignity and accorded their legal rights.

According to her, the agreement demonstrates the collective resolve of both nations to deepen bilateral cooperation while promoting justice and human dignity.

“This Agreement is also a testament to the growing depth of cooperation between Nigeria and Ethiopia. Beyond consular affairs, our two countries continue to collaborate in the areas of trade and investment, aviation, security, migration management, regional peace and security, and the advancement of Africa’s collective interests within continental and multilateral institutions,” she added.

The minister commended legal experts, diplomats and technical teams from both countries for their commitment and professionalism in bringing the agreement to fruition.
As part of her official visit,

Odumegwu-Ojukwu is scheduled to visit the Kaliti and Aba Samuel prisons in Ethiopia, where more than 100 Nigerian nationals, including four women, are currently serving various prison sentences.

The minister revealed that four Nigerian inmates died during the lengthy period of negotiations, judicial reviews and ratification processes leading to the agreement.

“We cannot afford to lose any more precious lives. We are determined to bring home the living,” she said.

In his remarks, Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Gideon Timothewos, noted that the cordial relationship between Nigeria and Ethiopia, which spans more than six decades, should be further strengthened through sustained consultation and cooperation on issues of mutual interest.

The agreement is expected to facilitate the transfer of eligible prisoners between both countries, improve rehabilitation outcomes, and further consolidate diplomatic relations between two of Africa’s leading nations.