Nigeria, Ethiopia sign prisoner transfer agreement, move for immediate implementation
The Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia have signed a Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement, marking a significant step in strengthening judicial cooperation and protecting the rights of citizens serving prison terms abroad.
Both countries also agreed to commence the immediate implementation of the bilateral agreement in line with their respective domestic laws and international obligations.
The agreement was facilitated by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Timothewos, during a ceremony held at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Addis Ababa.
Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, signed the agreement on behalf of Nigeria, while Ethiopia’s Minister of Justice, Hanna Arayaselassie, signed for her country.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, Nasir Aminu, representatives of the Nigeria Correctional Service, and officials of the Ethiopian Federal Prison Commission.
Speaking at the event, Odumegwu-Ojukwu conveyed the appreciation of President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian people, describing the agreement as one founded on the principles of humanity, justice and international cooperation.
She explained that the legal framework would allow convicted nationals of either country, subject to agreed conditions and applicable laws, to be transferred to their home country to serve the remainder of their prison sentences.
According to her, the arrangement acknowledges the critical role of family, language, culture and social support systems in the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders.
“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 equally provide opportunities for rehabilitation, reformation and eventual reintegration into society,” she said.
