SAT JUNE 13 2026-theGBJournal| Nigeria and Ethiopia have signed a landmark bilateral agreement that will allow convicted citizens of either country to be transferred to their home nation to serve the remainder of their prison sentences.
The move is aimed at strengthening consular cooperation and promoting a more humane approach to criminal justice.
The agreement was signed in Addis Ababa by Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, and Ethiopia’s Minister of Justice, Hanna Arayaselassie, in the presence of senior government officials from both countries.
The accord marks a significant milestone in relations between Africa’s two most populous nations and reflects growing efforts to enhance legal cooperation while prioritizing the welfare of citizens abroad.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, officials from both countries described the arrangement as an important step toward humanitarian justice, noting that it recognizes the role of family support, language, cultural familiarity and social ties in the rehabilitation of offenders.
Under the agreement, eligible Nigerian and Ethiopian nationals convicted and imprisoned in either country may apply to complete their custodial sentences in their country of citizenship, subject to agreed legal procedures and conditions.
Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister said the accord demonstrates the shared commitment of both governments to justice and effective custodial administration, while advancing a citizen-centred approach to diplomacy.
He added that the welfare and protection of nationals abroad remain central pillars of Nigeria’s foreign policy and that the agreement would provide affected citizens with greater opportunities for rehabilitation and eventual reintegration into society.
Ethiopian Foreign Affairs Minister Gedion Timothewos described the agreement as another chapter in the longstanding relationship between the two countries, which dates back to the 1960s.
He emphasized the need for continued consultation and coordination on issues of mutual interest, saying stronger institutional cooperation would further deepen bilateral ties between Addis Ababa and Abuja.
Officials from both sides also acknowledged the contributions of legal experts, diplomats and technical teams whose negotiations paved the way for the agreement.
The prisoner transfer framework is expected to establish clear procedures for the transfer and supervision of sentenced persons, while ensuring that the rights of prisoners and the judicial decisions of both countries are respected.
The accord places Nigeria and Ethiopia among a growing number of countries adopting prisoner transfer arrangements designed to balance the enforcement of criminal sentences with humanitarian considerations, particularly the benefits of maintaining family connections and social support networks during incarceration.
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