In a significant diplomatic breakthrough aimed at advancing humanitarian justice and strengthening bilateral relations, the Governments of Nigeria and Ethiopia have signed a landmark Prisoner Transfer Agreement that will enable convicted citizens of both countries to return to their home nations to serve the remainder of their prison sentences.
The agreement, signed in Addis Ababa, marks a major milestone in consular cooperation between the two African nations and underscores their shared commitment to justice, rehabilitation and the welfare of their citizens abroad.
The historic accord was formally endorsed by Nigeria’s Attorney-General of the Federation 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 signing ceremony was witnessed by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and his Ethiopian counterpart, H.E. Gedion Timothewos, who described the development as a new chapter in the long-standing relationship between the two countries.
Speaking after the signing ceremony at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigerian officials led by the Minister For Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the agreement as a practical demonstration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s citizen-centred diplomacy agenda, which prioritises the welfare, protection, and dignity of Nigerians wherever they may reside across the world.
According to the Nigerian delegation, the agreement will provide an opportunity for convicted citizens of either nation to complete their prison terms closer to their families and support systems, thereby enhancing prospects for rehabilitation, reintegration and eventual reinsertion into society.
Officials noted that family support, language familiarity, cultural affinity and social connections remain critical factors in the successful rehabilitation of offenders, making the agreement not only a legal framework but also a humanitarian instrument.
The Ethiopian Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Gedion Timothewos, highlighted the enduring diplomatic ties between Ethiopia and Nigeria, which date back to the 1960s. He stressed the need for sustained consultation and cooperation on issues of mutual interest to further deepen bilateral relations.
“This agreement reflects the shared commitment of our two nations to justice and a more humane approach to custodial administration,” he stated.
The Nigerian government also commended officials, legal experts and technical teams from both countries whose efforts over several years culminated in the successful conclusion of negotiations and finalisation of the agreement.
In what observers described as one of the most touching moments of the diplomatic mission, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu visited Nigerian inmates at the AbaSamuel Prison in Addis Ababa to personally inform them of the newly signed agreement and the prospect of their eventual transfer back home.
The announcement was met with overwhelming emotions, tears of joy, renewed hope, and heartfelt appreciation from the inmates, many of whom have spent years in Ethiopian correctional facilities.
Addressing the prisoners, the Minister conveyed President Tinubu’s message of solidarity and reassurance. “Your country will not desert you. Your President knows you are here.”
The Minister emphasized that the welfare and protection of Nigerian citizens abroad remain a central pillar of Nigeria’s foreign policy under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He lamented that four Nigerian inmates had died during the lengthy period of negotiations, judicial reviews, and procedural processes leading to the agreement’s conclusion, while several others remain critically ill and in urgent need of improved medical attention.
“We have already lost four of our citizens during the period it took to conclude this agreement, and several others are battling serious health challenges. This makes the successful signing of this accord even more significant,” he said.
According to him, the prisoner transfer framework is rooted in the principles of humanity, justice, compassion and international cooperation, ensuring that convicted persons are not abandoned but are afforded their rights under applicable legal frameworks.
The agreement has been widely viewed as a practical manifestation of President Tinubu’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad through proactive diplomacy and consular engagement.
While reiterating the need for Nigerians living overseas to respect the laws of their host countries and uphold the country’s image, government officials stressed that citizens who find themselves in conflict with the law should not be completely abandoned.
The Nigerian government assured that it would continue to work diligently to ensure that Nigerians abroad feel the presence, support and protection of their homeland.
On behalf of President Tinubu, the Nigerian delegation expressed profound appreciation to the Government and people of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia for their cooperation, understanding and goodwill throughout the negotiation process.
Following the announcement, Nigerian inmates at AbaSamuel Prison expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for facilitating the agreement and offering them a pathway to reunite with their families while completing their sentences in Nigeria.
Many described the development as a source of renewed hope after years of uncertainty and isolation.
The Prisoner Transfer Agreement is expected to further strengthen diplomatic relations between Africa’s most populous nation and one of its oldest independent states, while setting a precedent for enhanced humanitarian cooperation and citizen-focused diplomacy across the continent.
