Nigeria, Ethiopia Sign Prisoner Transfer Agreement
Nigeria and Ethiopia have signed a Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement, paving the way for convicted nationals of both countries to serve the remainder of their prison terms in their respective home countries.
The bilateral agreement was signed in Addis Ababa by Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, and Ethiopia’s Justice Minister, Hanna Arayaselassie.
The signing ceremony, facilitated by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and her Ethiopian counterpart, Gideon Timothewos, also saw both countries agree to commence immediate implementation of the agreement in line with their domestic laws and international obligations.
Among those who witnessed the event were 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 ceremony, Odumegwu-Ojukwu conveyed the appreciation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian people, describing the agreement as a reflection of the principles of humanity, justice and international cooperation.
She explained that the legal framework would enable sentenced persons who are citizens of either country to be transferred to their home nation to complete their prison terms, subject to agreed conditions and applicable laws.
According to the minister, the arrangement acknowledges the critical role of family ties, language, culture and social support systems in the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders into society.
“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 one’s society,” she said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu further stated that the welfare and protection of Nigerian citizens abroad remain a key responsibility of the Federal Government, noting that citizen-centred diplomacy continues to be a major pillar of Nigeria’s foreign policy.
The agreement is expected to strengthen judicial cooperation between Nigeria and Ethiopia while promoting the humane treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration of convicted persons from both countries.
By TimesNG