Nigeria, Ethiopia strike deal to bring 100 jailed Nigerians home

By Victor Idajili

Nigeria and Ethiopia have signed an agreement that will allow 100 Nigerian prisoners in Ethiopia to serve the rest of their sentences back home.

The “Transfer of Sentenced Persons” pact was signed Tuesday at Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Addis Ababa. It’s meant to strengthen consular and judicial ties between both countries while giving inmates a better chance at rehabilitation close to family and culture.

Officials say serving time in a familiar environment helps reintegration. The deal recognizes that language, culture, family visits and social support play a big role in reforming offenders.

Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, signed for Nigeria. Ethiopia’s Minister of Justice, Ms. Hanna Arayaselassie, signed for Ethiopia. Witnessing the deal were top officials from Nigeria’s Correctional Service, Ethiopia’s Federal Prison Commission, and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ethiopia/AU, Nasir Aminu.

Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu called it a “humane, justice-driven initiative” rooted in shared values.  
“For Nigeria, the welfare of citizens abroad is a cardinal responsibility, especially now that citizen-centred diplomacy is a key pillar of our foreign policy,” she said.  
“This arrangement recognizes the important role that family, language, culture, and social support systems play in rehabilitation and reintegration,” she added.

She also urged Nigerians abroad to obey host country laws, saying respect for local rules protects Nigeria’s image internationally.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the pact will boost broader Nigeria-Ethiopia cooperation in trade, migration, aviation, security and regional peace. Both countries also share a goal of pushing African interests on continental and global platforms.

Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister Gideon Timothewos said the agreement reflects 60+ years of cordial relations and called for deeper collaboration on diplomacy, security and continental development.

The minister is set to visit Kaliti and Aba Samuel prisons in Ethiopia, where over 100 Nigerians, including 4 women, are currently held. She revealed that 4 Nigerian inmates died during the negotiation and ratification process, which pushed the urgency.  
“We cannot afford to lose any more precious lives. We are determined to bring home the living,” she said.

Both countries will now coordinate implementation according to their laws and international obligations. Once procedures are complete, the 100 Nigerians will be transferred to Nigerian correctional facilities to finish their terms.

The agreement gives a second chance to citizens who made mistakes abroad, while reinforcing that Nigerian diplomacy will prioritize citizen welfare.