Nigeria, Ethiopia Sign Prisoner Transfer Agreement to Strengthen Judicial Cooperation
By Asagwara Winner Ihechi
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
The Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia have signed a bilateral Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement, marking a significant step toward strengthening judicial cooperation and promoting the welfare of their citizens serving prison terms abroad.
Both countries also agreed to begin the immediate implementation of the agreement in accordance with their respective domestic laws and international obligations, reinforcing their commitment to humanitarian justice and international collaboration.
The agreement was facilitated by Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Ethiopia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gideon Timothew, during a signing ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Addis Ababa.
Nigeria's Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, signed the agreement on behalf of Nigeria, while Ethiopia's Minister of Justice, Ms. Hanna Arayaselas, signed for her country.
The ceremony was witnessed by the Ambassador of Nigeria to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, Nasir Aminu, representatives of the Nigerian Correctional Service and the Immigration Service, as well as the Commissioner General of the Ethiopian Federal Prison Commission and other senior government officials.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu conveyed the appreciation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian people, describing the agreement as one founded on the principles of humanity, justice, and international cooperation.
She explained that the new legal framework allows 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 the minister, the arrangement acknowledges the vital role of family support, language, culture, and social integration in the rehabilitation and successful reintegration of offenders into society.
She noted that the agreement reflects the shared belief of both countries that correctional systems should not only punish offenders but also provide meaningful opportunities for rehabilitation, reformation, and eventual reintegration.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu further emphasized that the welfare and protection of Nigerians abroad remain a fundamental responsibility of the Federal Government, especially as citizen-centred diplomacy continues to serve as a key pillar of Nigeria's foreign policy.
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