AMAH ALPHONSUS AMAONYE, AWC MDA DESK
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – June 13, 2026
The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed a bilateral Prisoner Transfer Agreement with the Government of Ethiopia, marking a significant diplomatic and humanitarian milestone aimed at enhancing the welfare of Nigerian citizens serving prison terms abroad.
The agreement will enable eligible Nigerian inmates incarcerated in Ethiopia to be transferred to Nigeria to serve the remainder of their sentences under established legal procedures. The initiative reflects the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to protecting the rights, dignity, and welfare of Nigerians regardless of their location.
Speaking during a visit to Nigerian inmates at AbaSamuel Prison in Ethiopia, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, reassured the inmates that Nigeria remains concerned about their welfare and has not abandoned them.
She described the prisoner transfer agreement as a humanitarian intervention designed to allow qualified inmates to serve their remaining sentences closer to their families and support networks.
“Nigeria has not forgotten you. Your country remains concerned about your welfare and is working to ensure that justice is tempered with compassion,” the Minister stated.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu disclosed that the agreement was the culmination of years of negotiations, legal reviews, and diplomatic engagements between both countries. She noted that four Nigerian inmates died before the process was finalized, describing the loss as tragic and underscoring the urgency of humanitarian cooperation.
The Minister commended the Ethiopian Government for its cooperation and goodwill throughout the negotiations, noting that the successful conclusion of the agreement further strengthens the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Ethiopia.
She also urged Nigerians living abroad to obey the laws of their host countries and conduct themselves in a manner that upholds Nigeria’s image and reputation.
Observers have described the agreement as a major achievement in Nigeria’s consular diplomacy and a practical demonstration of citizen-centered foreign policy. The arrangement is expected to provide relief to affected families while creating opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration of eligible inmates transferred back to Nigeria.
With the agreement now in force, authorities in both countries are expected to begin identifying inmates who qualify for transfer under the treaty’s provisions.
The development has been welcomed by diplomatic stakeholders, human rights advocates, and members of the Nigerian diaspora, who view it as a compassionate step toward ensuring that no Nigerian is forgotten, regardless of circumstance.
As Nigeria continues to strengthen diplomatic relations across Africa, the prisoner transfer agreement with Ethiopia stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to justice, humanity, and the protection of its citizens beyond its borders.
