Tinubu Moves To Repatriate Nigerians In Ethiopian Prisons As Transfer Agreement Takes Effect

President Bola Tinubu has reassured Nigerians serving prison sentences in Ethiopia that efforts are underway to bring them home following the implementation of a prisoner transfer agreement between Nigeria and Ethiopia.

The assurance was conveyed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, during a visit to Nigerian inmates at Aba Samuel Prison in Ethiopia on June 11.

Speaking to the inmates, the minister announced that the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement between both countries had officially taken effect, describing it as part of the Tinubu administration’s citizen-centred diplomatic agenda under its 4-D foreign policy framework.

She explained that the policy, built around diplomacy, democracy, development and demography, places strong emphasis on the welfare and protection of Nigerians living abroad.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu assured the inmates that the Federal Government remained conscious of their plight and had not forgotten them, adding that arrangements were being made to facilitate the return of eligible prisoners to Nigeria.

According to her, negotiations leading to the agreement took considerable time due to legal and judicial requirements in both countries. She disclosed that several Nigerian inmates reportedly died while discussions were ongoing before the deal was eventually finalised.

The minister stressed that while the government remains committed to protecting Nigerians overseas, citizens also have a responsibility to respect the laws of their host countries to avoid legal troubles.

She noted that inmates who qualify for transfer must provide formal consent before the necessary documentation and repatriation procedures can begin, in accordance with international correctional standards.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu also encouraged the prisoners to participate actively in rehabilitation and correctional programmes to aid their reintegration into society upon their return to Nigeria.

Officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service assured the inmates that those transferred back to Nigeria would initially be received at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, where they would undergo further processing before possible relocation to facilities closer to their families.

The agreement was signed on behalf of Nigeria by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, while Ethiopian officials represented their government during the signing ceremony in Addis Ababa.

The prisoner transfer arrangement is expected to benefit approximately 100 Nigerian inmates currently serving sentences in Ethiopia. Reports indicate that about 98 prisoners, including two women, could qualify for repatriation if they meet the required conditions.

The minister’s visit reportedly sparked emotional reactions among the inmates, many of whom expressed gratitude and renewed hope at the prospect of returning to Nigeria after spending years in foreign correctional facilities.