KEY POINTS
• The Federal Government is set to sign a prisoner transfer agreement with Ethiopia to repatriate over 100 Nigerians in Ethiopian prisons.
• The deal, led by the Foreign Affairs Minister and Attorney General, aims to allow eligible inmates to serve their sentences in Nigeria.
• Officials say the agreement is driven by humanitarian concerns after several Nigerian inmates reportedly died during prolonged negotiations.
The Federal Government is preparing to finalise a prisoner transfer agreement with Ethiopia that could lead to the repatriation of more than 100 Nigerians currently serving sentences in Ethiopian prisons.
The deal is expected to be signed in Addis Ababa by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, alongside the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi.
Both officials were received by senior Ethiopian government representatives, including the minister of state for foreign affairs and the chief of protocol, as preparations for the agreement reached its final stage.
According to government officials, the Nigerians affected are being held in correctional facilities including Kaliti Prison and Aba Samuel Prison in Ethiopia.
The proposed agreement will allow eligible Nigerian inmates to be transferred home to complete their sentences under Nigerian correctional supervision.
Authorities say the arrangement is intended to strengthen consular protection for citizens while ensuring that justice processes are respected in both countries.
Humanitarian Concerns Drive Agreement
Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the agreement is rooted in humanitarian principles and international cooperation between Nigeria and Ethiopia.
She revealed that at least four Nigerian prisoners have died during the lengthy negotiation and ratification process, raising concerns about delays in reaching a formal agreement.
According to her, the government is determined to prevent further loss of life by accelerating the repatriation process for affected citizens.
She stressed that the welfare of Nigerians abroad remains a priority for the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The minister noted that while the government continues to encourage Nigerians abroad to respect the laws of their host countries, it also has a responsibility to ensure that citizens in foreign prisons are treated with dignity and fairness.
She explained that the agreement reflects a broader effort to balance accountability with humanitarian protection for Nigerian nationals serving sentences overseas.
Officials say the transfer framework will operate under established international legal standards governing prisoner exchanges.
