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, subject to legal conditions and mutual consent.
The agreement was signed on Thursday in Addis Ababa by Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, and Ethiopia’s Justice Minister, Hanna Arayaselassie, during a ceremony attended by senior officials from both governments.
The diplomatic breakthrough was facilitated by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, alongside her Ethiopian counterpart, Gideon Timothewos, who both played key roles in advancing negotiations.
Under the terms of the pact, prisoners who meet agreed legal requirements may be transferred from the country where they were convicted to their country of origin to complete their sentences, subject to approval by both governments.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the agreement as a reflection of shared values between Nigeria and Ethiopia, particularly in the areas of justice, humanity and international cooperation.
She said the arrangement recognises the importance of family support systems, language, cultural familiarity and social ties in the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders.
According to her, modern correctional systems must go beyond punishment and instead provide pathways for reform and reintegration into society.
“For Nigeria, the welfare and protection of Nigerian citizens abroad remain a cardinal responsibility of government, particularly at a time when citizen-centred diplomacy is a key pillar of our foreign policy,” she said.
The minister, however, urged Nigerians residing abroad to respect the laws of their host countries and maintain conduct that reflects positively on the nation.
She emphasised that while offenders must face justice for their actions, they are still entitled to dignity and fair treatment under international legal standards.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu added that the agreement marks a significant step in strengthening consular relations and promoting a more humane approach to criminal justice administration between both countries.
She also noted that the pact reflects expanding cooperation between Nigeria and Ethiopia in areas such as trade, investment, aviation, security, migration management and regional peacebuilding.
The minister commended officials and technical teams from both nations whose work ensured the successful conclusion of negotiations and the signing of the agreement.
In a solemn disclosure, she revealed that four Nigerian inmates had died in Ethiopian custody while discussions and ratification processes were ongoing, underscoring the urgency of implementing the agreement.
She further stated that more than 100 Nigerians are currently incarcerated in Ethiopian correctional facilities, including four women, stressing the need for swift operationalisation of the transfer framework.
“We cannot afford to lose any more precious lives. We are determined to bring home the living,” she said.
As part of her visit, Odumegwu-Ojukwu is expected to tour the Kaliti and Aba Samuel prisons, where a significant number of Nigerian inmates are being held.
Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Timothewos, described the agreement as a milestone in the long-standing diplomatic relationship between both countries, which spans over six decades.
He called for continued dialogue and coordination on issues of mutual interest, noting that stronger bilateral cooperation would benefit both nations and contribute to broader African integration efforts.
The agreement is expected to facilitate the transfer of eligible prisoners in the coming months while deepening judicial cooperation and addressing humanitarian concerns surrounding foreign detainees.
