June 11, (THEWILL) — Nigeria and Ethiopia have signed a Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement that will allow convicted nationals of both countries to serve the remainder of their prison terms in their home countries, in a move aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and advancing humanitarian justice.
The agreement was signed on Thursday in Addis Ababa and takes immediate effect in accordance with the domestic laws and international obligations of both countries.
According to a statement issued by the Special Assistant on Communication and New Media in the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Magnus Eze, Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), signed the pact on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, while Ethiopia’s Minister of Justice, Hanna Arayaselassie, signed for her country.
The signing ceremony was facilitated by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Timothewos, at the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Speaking during the ceremony, Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the agreement as a major humanitarian and diplomatic achievement anchored on the principles of humanity, justice, and international cooperation.
She explained that the framework would enable convicted prisoners who are citizens of either country, subject to agreed conditions, to be transferred to their home country to complete their prison terms.
According to her, the arrangement recognises the critical role of family support, language, culture, and familiar social environments in the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders into society.
“This arrangement recognizes the important role that family, language, culture, and social support systems play in the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders,” she said.
The minister stressed that the agreement reflects the shared conviction of both governments that correctional systems should not be limited to punishment but should also provide opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration.
She further noted that the protection of Nigerians abroad remains a central pillar of the Federal Government’s citizen-centred diplomacy policy, adding that while Nigerians living overseas must respect the laws of their host countries, those who run into conflict with the law are entitled to dignity, due process, and the protection of their legal rights.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the agreement demonstrates the growing cooperation between Nigeria and Ethiopia across several strategic sectors, including trade, aviation, migration management, security, and regional diplomacy.
The Nigerian delegation at the signing included Ambassador Nasir Aminu, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, alongside officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service. Ethiopia’s Commissioner General of the Federal Prison Commission was also present.
In his remarks, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gideon Timothewos described the agreement as another milestone in the relationship between both countries, noting that Nigeria and Ethiopia have maintained diplomatic ties for more than 60 years.
The Foreign Ministry also disclosed that Odumegwu-Ojukwu was scheduled to visit Kaliti and Aba Samuel prisons in Ethiopia, where more than 100 Nigerian nationals, including four women, are currently serving various prison sentences.
The minister expressed concern over the fate of Nigerian inmates in Ethiopian prisons, revealing that four Nigerians died in custody while negotiations and ratification of the agreement were ongoing.
“We cannot afford to lose any more precious lives. We are determined to bring home the living,” she said.
The prisoner transfer agreement is expected to provide a legal pathway for eligible inmates from both countries to continue serving their sentences closer to their families and support networks, while further deepening diplomatic and judicial cooperation between Nigeria and Ethiopia.
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