In a move that signals a tighter diplomatic handshake across borders, Nigeria and Ethiopia have sealed an agreement to allow the transfer of prisoners between the two nations, in line with domestic laws and international obligations.
According to a statement issued by Dr Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media in the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the deal was not struck in haste but carefully hammered out through diplomatic channels.
The arrangement was midwifed by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, alongside her Ethiopian counterpart, Mr Gideon Timothewos, during talks held at the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Addis Ababa.
On the legal front, Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), signed on behalf of the country, while Ethiopia’s Minister of Justice, Ms Hanna Arayaselassie, appended her signature for her government.
Eze noted that Odumegwu-Ojukwu conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s appreciation to the Ethiopian authorities, describing the pact as one built on the pillars of humanity, justice, and international cooperation.
She stressed that the agreement recognises the importance of family ties, language, culture, and social support systems in the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders.
“It reflects our shared understanding that correctional systems should not only punish wrongdoing but also provide opportunities for rehabilitation, reformation, and eventual reintegration into society.
“For Nigeria, the welfare and protection of Nigerian citizens abroad remain a cardinal responsibility of government, especially at a time when citizen-centred diplomacy remains a key pillar of our foreign policy,” she said.
The statement further revealed that Odumegwu-Ojukwu is expected to visit Kaliti and Aba Samuel prisons in Ethiopia later on Thursday, where about 100 Nigerians, including four women, are currently serving various sentences.
It also disclosed that four Nigerian inmates died while negotiations, judicial vetting, and the ratification process leading to the agreement were still underway.
Timothewos, according to the statement, said the warm diplomatic relations between both countries, spanning over six decades, must not be allowed to run on autopilot, but should be deepened through sustained consultation and cooperation on shared interests.
The signing ceremony was attended by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, Nasir Aminu, alongside officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service and the Ethiopian Federal Prison Commission, among others.
