136 Nigerians to Benefit as Nigeria, Ethiopia Sign Prisoner Transfer Agreement

The Federal Government has confirmed that 136 Nigerian inmates in Ethiopia are expected to benefit from a new prisoner transfer agreement between Nigeria and Ethiopia, aimed at allowing convicted citizens to complete their sentences in their home country.

According to reports, the agreement is part of a bilateral arrangement signed by officials of both countries to strengthen diplomatic and consular cooperation, while addressing humanitarian concerns involving foreign prisoners.

The initiative will enable eligible Nigerian prisoners currently held in Ethiopian correctional facilities to be repatriated to Nigeria, where they will continue serving their sentences under Nigerian correctional supervision, in line with agreed legal procedures.

Officials say the deal reflects ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to protect the welfare of Nigerians abroad and improve collaboration with foreign governments on justice and security matters.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has been involved in facilitating the agreement, which also includes provisions for Ethiopian inmates in Nigeria to be transferred back to their country under similar conditions.

Reports indicate that many of the affected Nigerian prisoners are held in facilities such as Kaliti Prison and Aba Samuel Prison in Ethiopia.

The development has been welcomed by families of affected inmates, who described it as a long-awaited relief after years of diplomatic engagement.

Authorities say implementation will follow strict legal screening to determine eligible prisoners before final repatriation begins.