BREAKING: Nigeria, Ethiopia sign prisoner transfer agreement to allow convicts serve sentences at home

Africa, Crime Diary

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (NPA) — Nigeria and Ethiopia have signed a landmark agreement that will allow convicted citizens of both countries to be transferred home to serve the remainder of their prison sentences.

The agreement, described by officials as a major milestone in bilateral relations, was signed on Friday during a ceremony at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Addis Ababa.

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, announced the development, saying the accord represents a significant advancement in consular cooperation and humanitarian justice between Africa’s two most populous nations.

“Done and dusted. Here at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we signed a landmark agreement that will allow sentenced citizens of either country — Nigeria or Ethiopia — to return to their home nation to serve the remainder of their prison terms,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.

The agreement was formally endorsed by Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and Ethiopia’s Minister of Justice, Hanna Arayaselassie, in the presence of senior government officials from both countries.

The Nigerian foreign minister commended officials, legal experts, and technical teams from both sides for successfully concluding the negotiations that led to the agreement.

She described the accord as a reflection of the growing diplomatic and legal cooperation between Nigeria and Ethiopia.

Also speaking, Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, highlighted the longstanding relationship between the two countries, which dates back to the 1960s.

He stressed the importance of continued dialogue, consultation, and collaboration on issues of mutual interest to further strengthen bilateral ties.

According to Timothewos, the agreement demonstrates the commitment of both governments to justice, human dignity, and a more humane approach to custodial administration.

The arrangement will allow eligible prisoners to complete their sentences in their home countries, closer to their families, cultural environment, and support networks.

Officials said the initiative recognises the important role that family support, language, culture, and social connections play in the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders into society.

The agreement is also expected to improve the welfare of incarcerated citizens while promoting international cooperation in criminal justice administration.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that the deal aligns with Nigeria’s citizen-centred foreign policy approach, which places the welfare and protection of Nigerians abroad at the heart of diplomatic engagements.

“Citizen-centred diplomacy remains a key pillar of our foreign policy. The welfare and protection of our citizens abroad will continue to receive priority attention,” she said.

The prisoner transfer agreement adds to a growing list of bilateral cooperation initiatives between Nigeria and Ethiopia, reinforcing efforts by both countries to deepen diplomatic, legal, and humanitarian relations.