Nigeria and Ethiopia Sign Prisoner Transfer Agreement to Repatriate Detained Nationals

Nigeria and Ethiopia have signed a bilateral Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement that will allow convicted nationals from both countries to serve the remainder of their prison sentences in their home nations.

The pact, finalised on June 11, 2026, in Addis Ababa, is expected to facilitate the immediate repatriation of more than 100 Nigerians currently held in Ethiopian prisons.

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Ethiopia’s Minister of Justice, Gideon Timothewos, led the signing ceremony. Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), signed on behalf of Nigeria, while Ethiopia’s Justice Minister, Hanna Arayaselassie, signed for her country. The agreement establishes a formal framework for prisoner transfers based on principles of humanity, rehabilitation, and international cooperation.

Following the signing, Odumegwu-Ojukwu visited Kaliti and AbaSamuel Prisons, where most of the Nigerians (including four women) are detained. Videos from the visits showed highly emotional scenes, with inmates in prison uniforms cheering, dancing, and chanting in celebration as the minister assured them of their government’s support. “Your country will not desert you… your president knows you are here,” she told them, describing the atmosphere as “electric” and promising renewed hope.

The agreement addresses long-standing concerns about the welfare of Nigerian prisoners abroad. Many of those held in Ethiopia were convicted of drug-related offences, often arrested while in transit at Bole International Airport. Official figures had previously shown over 270 Nigerians imprisoned there. At least four Nigerian prisoners died during the prolonged negotiations, and several others are reported to be critically ill. Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed the urgency of bringing the living home.

The pact is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s citizen-centred diplomacy under the Renewed Hope Agenda. It builds on broader bilateral ties between Africa’s two most populous nations in areas such as trade, investment, security, and migration. Implementation will follow both countries’ laws and international standards, with further transfers expected in the coming months.