The Federal Government has concluded arrangements with the Government of Ethiopia for the transfer of more than 100 Nigerian inmates serving various jail terms in Ethiopian correctional facilities, in a bilateral agreement aimed at easing prison congestion and strengthening consular protection for citizens abroad.
The agreement, which is expected to be formally signed on Wednesday in Addis Ababa, will allow eligible Nigerian prisoners to be repatriated to serve the remainder of their sentences in Nigeria under a structured prisoner transfer framework.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who led the Nigerian delegation to the Ethiopian capital, confirmed the development, noting that the deal marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s consular and humanitarian diplomacy.
She was accompanied by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi. The delegation was received by Ethiopian officials, including the country’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and the Chief of Protocol.
According to Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the agreement is the product of prolonged negotiations, judicial reviews, and diplomatic engagement between both countries.
She disclosed a tragic dimension to the process, revealing that four Nigerian inmates died while the negotiations dragged on.
“We cannot afford to lose any more precious lives. We are determined to bring home the living,” she said, stressing the urgency that accelerated finalisation of the pact.
The inmates are currently held in facilities including Kaliti Prison and Aba Samuel Prison.
The minister said the agreement reflects the long-standing bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Ethiopia, anchored on humanitarian considerations, justice cooperation, and mutual respect for legal processes.
She added that while the Federal Government continues to urge Nigerians abroad to respect the laws of their host countries, it remains committed to ensuring that citizens facing incarceration overseas are treated fairly within international legal frameworks.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also reaffirmed that the welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora remains a central priority of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in ongoing efforts to strengthen consular intervention and prisoner transfer agreements with foreign governments.
She expressed appreciation to the Ethiopian authorities for their cooperation in bringing the agreement to fruition, describing it as a step forward in bilateral justice cooperation and humanitarian engagement between both countries.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
