The Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia have signed a Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement.
Both countries also agreed to commence immediate implementation of the bilateral instrument in accordance with their respective laws and international obligations.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and her Ethiopian counterpart, Gideon Timothewos, facilitated the diplomatic milestone, which was consummated at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Addis Ababa.
Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, signed on behalf of Nigeria, while Ethiopia’s Justice Minister, Ms. Hanna Arayaselassie, signed for her country.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Nigerian Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, Nasir Aminu; a representative of the Nigerian Correctional Service; and the Commissioner General of the Ethiopian Federal Prison Commission, among others.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu conveyed the sincere appreciation of President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians, emphasizing that the event is rooted in the principles of humanity, justice, and international cooperation.
She explained that through this legal framework, sentenced persons who are nationals of either country may, subject to agreed conditions and applicable laws, be transferred to their home country to serve the remainder of their sentences.
“This arrangement recognizes the important role that family, language, culture, and social support systems play in the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders. It also reflects our shared understanding that correctional systems should not only punish wrongdoing but should also provide opportunities for rehabilitation, reformation, and eventual reintegration into society.
“For Nigeria, the welfare and protection of Nigerian citizens abroad remain a key responsibility of the government, especially at a time when citizen-centered diplomacy continues to be a core pillar of our foreign policy,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated.
