Nigeria, Ethiopia Finalise Prisoner Transfer Agreement, Pave Way for Inmates to Serve Sentences at Home

Nigeria and Ethiopia have concluded a bilateral Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement, enabling convicted nationals of both countries to serve the remainder of their prison terms in their respective home countries under agreed legal conditions.

The agreement was signed in Addis Ababa by Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, and Ethiopia’s Minister of Justice, Hanna Arayaselassie.

The signing was facilitated by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, alongside Ethiopian Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Timothewos, with senior diplomatic and correctional officials from both countries in attendance.

According to officials, the arrangement is designed to strengthen consular protection while ensuring that justice administration takes into account humanitarian considerations such as rehabilitation, family support, and social reintegration.

The deal allows eligible prisoners to be transferred to their home countries to complete their sentences, subject to compliance with both nations’ legal systems and international obligations.

Speaking after the signing, Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the agreement as a reflection of Nigeria’s commitment to citizen-centred diplomacy, noting that the welfare of nationals abroad remains a core priority of government policy.

She stressed that serving sentences closer to home would help improve rehabilitation outcomes by reconnecting inmates with family structures, language, and cultural support systems.

The minister also disclosed plans to visit Kaliti and Aba Samuel prisons in Ethiopia, where more than 100 Nigerians are currently held, including four women. She further noted that four Nigerian inmates had died during the negotiation process, describing the development as a key reason for accelerating implementation.

Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Gideon Timothewos, said the agreement builds on over six decades of diplomatic relations between both countries and reinforces shared commitments to justice cooperation and regional partnership.

He added that sustained engagement between Nigeria and Ethiopia would continue to strengthen legal, diplomatic, and security collaboration.

The agreement is expected to be implemented in accordance with the domestic laws of both countries, marking a new phase in bilateral cooperation on correctional and consular affairs.