Nigerian Prisoners in Ethiopia Celebrate Tinubu Over Prisoner Transfer Deal

Nigerian inmates at AbaSamuel Prison in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, have expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu following the successful conclusion of a Prisoner Transfer Agreement between Nigeria and Ethiopia.

The inmates conveyed their gratitude in a video shared on Saturday by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, where they were seen celebrating the development and thanking the President for facilitating the agreement.

The newly signed bilateral arrangement will allow eligible convicted prisoners of Nigerian and Ethiopian nationality to be transferred to their home countries to complete their jail terms, subject to legal and procedural requirements agreed by both governments.

According to officials, the agreement is aimed at strengthening diplomatic relations between both countries while also addressing humanitarian concerns associated with incarceration far from home.

The prisoners in Ethiopia expressed hope that the implementation of the deal would enable many of them to return to Nigeria to serve the remainder of their sentences closer to family members and support systems.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the development as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s consular and diplomatic engagement, particularly in advancing the welfare of Nigerian citizens detained abroad.

The Prisoner Transfer Agreement was signed this week by representatives of both countries, marking the beginning of a framework that will guide the repatriation process.

Under the terms of the agreement, transfers will not be automatic, as each case will be reviewed based on legal eligibility, security considerations, and mutual consent between Nigeria and Ethiopia.

The development has been widely welcomed as part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian government to strengthen international cooperation on justice and consular protection for its citizens abroad.

Officials say further administrative steps will follow to ensure smooth implementation of the agreement once all verification and legal processes are completed.