The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia have signed a bilateral agreement that will allow convicted nationals of both countries to serve their prison sentences in their home countries.
The agreement, known as the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement, was signed in Addis Ababa as part of efforts to strengthen judicial cooperation and address the welfare of incarcerated citizens abroad. The pact is expected to facilitate the transfer of more than 100 Nigerians currently serving prison terms in Ethiopia.
Nigeria’s Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), signed the agreement on behalf of the Federal Government, while Ethiopia’s Minister of Justice, Hanna Arayaselassie, signed for the East African nation. The ceremony was witnessed by senior officials from both countries, including representatives of their correctional and diplomatic services.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, described the agreement as a humanitarian and justice-driven initiative aimed at ensuring that convicted persons can complete their sentences closer to their families and support systems. She noted that the arrangement reflects the strong diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Ethiopia and aligns with international best practices on prisoner rehabilitation and reintegration.
According to Nigerian officials, the agreement will be implemented in accordance with the domestic laws and international obligations of both countries. It is expected to ease the challenges faced by Nigerian inmates in Ethiopian prisons, particularly those held in facilities such as Kaliti and Aba Samuel prisons near Addis Ababa.
The signing follows months of diplomatic engagement between the two countries. Nigeria had repeatedly urged Ethiopian authorities to expedite the agreement, citing concerns over the welfare of Nigerian prisoners and the need for a formal framework for prisoner transfers.
Officials from both nations expressed confidence that the pact would deepen bilateral relations and enhance cooperation in justice administration, migration management, and broader diplomatic engagements. The agreement is also expected to promote the rehabilitation of eligible inmates by allowing them to serve the remainder of their sentences within familiar cultural and family environments.
The development marks a significant milestone in Nigeria-Ethiopia relations and is expected to provide relief to affected inmates and their families as arrangements for the transfer process commence in the coming months.
