The Nigerian government has finalized an agreement with Ethiopia to transfer more than 100 Nigerians currently serving prison terms in Ethiopia to correctional facilities back home.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, announced that the agreement will be signed Wednesday in Addis Ababa. She traveled there alongside the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi. Ethiopia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Chief of Protocol received the delegation.
“The signature ceremony takes place this afternoon,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
The delegation left Nigeria on Tuesday, acting on President Bola Tinubu’s directive for the immediate repatriation of Nigerian inmates in Ethiopia.
The deal follows months of diplomatic pressure. Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the MOU was previously delayed by slow processes on Ethiopia’s side. She warned that the delay has already cost lives.
“Four Nigerian prisoners have died within the time frame it has taken for the negotiations, judicial vetting and this final ratification process,” she said. “We cannot afford to lose any more precious lives. We are determined to bring home the living. This agreement is rooted in humanity, justice, and cooperation between our two nations.”
Human rights concerns have long surrounded Nigerians in Ethiopian prisons. Reports cite severe overcrowding, poor medical care, inadequate food, and bad hygiene. While many face drug-related charges, others are believed to be wrongfully detained or lack legal representation.
In 2023, public pressure led the Senate to launch an investigation into the cases of 250 Nigerians jailed in Ethiopia.
