By Joy Omagha Idam
In a swift landmark diplomatic and humanitarian development, Nigeria and Ethiopia have signed a Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement aimed at allowing convicted nationals of either country to serve the remainder of their prison terms in their home country.
According to a statement signed by Dr Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, this agreement, signed in Addis Ababa on Thursday, is expected to take immediate effect in line with the laws and international obligations of both nations.
Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), signed on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, while Ethiopia’s Minister of Justice, Hanna Arayaselassie, signed for the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
The signing ceremony was facilitated by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and her Ethiopian counterpart, Gideon Timothewos. Also present were Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, Nasir Aminu, officials of the Nigeria Correctional Service, and representatives of the Ethiopian Federal Prison Commission.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the agreement as a significant achievement rooted in the principles of humanity, justice, and international cooperation.
She explained that the framework would enable sentenced persons who are nationals of either country, subject to agreed conditions and applicable laws, to be transferred to their home country to complete their prison terms.
According to her, the arrangement recognises the critical role of family ties, language, culture, and social support systems in the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders.
“This agreement reflects our shared belief that correctional systems should not only punish wrongdoing but also provide opportunities for rehabilitation, reformation, and eventual reintegration into society,” she said.
The minister reiterated that the welfare and protection of Nigerians abroad remain a key responsibility of the Federal Government, particularly under Nigeria’s citizen-centred foreign policy.
While urging Nigerians living overseas to obey the laws of their host countries and uphold the nation’s image, she stressed that the government remains committed to ensuring that citizens who come into conflict with the law are treated with dignity and afforded their legal rights.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that the agreement further strengthens consular cooperation between both countries and reflects a more humane approach to justice administration.
She added that the pact underscores the growing partnership between Nigeria and Ethiopia, which already collaborate in areas such as trade, investment, aviation, security, migration management, regional peace, and continental development initiatives.
The minister commended the legal experts, officials, and technical teams from both countries whose efforts culminated in the successful conclusion of the agreement. She also expressed Nigeria’s appreciation to the Ethiopian government for its friendship and commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
As part of her visit, Odumegwu-Ojukwu is expected to tour the Kaliti and Aba Samuel correctional facilities, where more than 100 Nigerian nationals, including four women, are currently incarcerated.
She revealed that four Nigerian inmates had died during the lengthy process of negotiations, judicial reviews, and ratification leading to the agreement.
“We cannot afford to lose any more precious lives. We are determined to bring home the living,” she declared.
On his part, Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Gideon Timothewos, said the long-standing relationship between both countries, spanning more than six decades, should continue to be strengthened through sustained consultation and cooperation on issues of mutual interest.
The agreement is widely seen as a major step toward enhancing humanitarian diplomacy and deepening the longstanding ties between two of Africa’s most influential nations.