Nigeria and Ethiopia Sign Prisoner Transfer Agreement

On Thursday, a landmark agreement was signed in Addis Ababa between Nigeria and Ethiopia, allowing convicted citizens from either country to serve the remainder of their prison terms in their home nation. The agreement was signed by Nigeria's Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, and Ethiopia's Justice Minister, Hanna Arayaselassi, in the presence of senior government officials and diplomats.

Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, described the accord as a reflection of shared commitments to justice and humanitarian cooperation. The agreement underscores the importance of family support and rehabilitation for offenders.

Currently, there are 100 Nigerians incarcerated in Ethiopian prisons, including four women. The urgency of implementing this agreement was emphasized, as it aims to protect Nigerian citizens abroad and facilitate their reintegration into society.

The pact is expected to enhance bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Ethiopia in various areas, including trade and migration management.