Nigeria and Ethiopia have signed a bilateral agreement enabling convicted nationals of either country to serve the remainder of their prison sentences in their country of origin, in a move aimed at strengthening consular cooperation and advancing humanitarian justice.
The Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement was signed on Thursday in Addis Ababa by Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, and Ethiopia’s Minister of Justice, Hanna Arayaselassie, in the presence of senior officials from both governments.
The diplomatic arrangement was facilitated through the collaborative efforts of Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Timothewos.
Under the agreement, eligible convicted persons may, subject to legal and procedural requirements, be transferred to their home countries to complete their prison terms, particularly where both sides approve such repatriation.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the pact as a demonstration of shared commitment by both nations to justice, humanity and strengthened international cooperation.
She noted that the agreement recognizes the importance of family ties, cultural identity, language and social support systems in the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders.
According to her, modern correctional systems must go beyond punishment to focus on reform and reintegration into society, in line with global best practices in criminal justice administration.
“For Nigeria, the welfare and protection of our citizens abroad remains a central responsibility of government, especially under a citizen-centred foreign policy approach,” she said.
The minister, however, urged Nigerians abroad to respect the laws of their host countries and uphold conduct that reflects positively on the nation.
She added that while offenders must face justice where necessary, they are still entitled to dignity and fair treatment under applicable legal frameworks.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu further said the agreement reflects the growing partnership between Nigeria and Ethiopia across key sectors, including trade, investment, aviation, security, migration management and regional stability initiatives.
She commended the technical teams and legal experts from both countries whose work ensured the successful conclusion of negotiations leading to the agreement.
In a related development, she disclosed that four Nigerian inmates had died in Ethiopian custody during the period of negotiations and legal processes, describing the situation as deeply concerning.
She noted that more than 100 Nigerians remain incarcerated in Ethiopia, including four women, stressing the urgency of implementing the agreement to facilitate repatriation.
“We cannot afford to lose any more precious lives. We are determined to bring home the living,” she said.
As part of her official engagements, the minister is expected to visit Kaliti and Aba Samuel correctional facilities, where several Nigerian inmates are being held.
Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Timothewos, described the agreement as a significant milestone in the longstanding diplomatic relationship between both countries, which spans over six decades.
He called for sustained dialogue and closer coordination between Nigeria and Ethiopia on shared priorities, noting that stronger bilateral cooperation would benefit both nations and contribute to broader African development and stability.
The agreement is expected to facilitate the orderly transfer of eligible prisoners, deepen judicial cooperation and address humanitarian concerns relating to foreign nationals in correctional facilities.
