Nigerian inmates held at AbaSamuel Prison in Addis Ababa have welcomed the signing of a new Prisoner Transfer Agreement between Nigeria and Ethiopia, a development that will allow them to complete their prison sentences back home.
The agreement was announced during a visit by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who personally informed the inmates that arrangements were underway for their eventual transfer to Nigeria.
The news sparked excitement among the prisoners, many of whom have spent years away from their families and support systems while serving jail terms in Ethiopia.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the agreement as a major diplomatic achievement aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerian citizens incarcerated abroad and ensuring they remain connected to their home country.
She expressed concern over the condition of some of the inmates, revealing that several are facing serious health challenges while others have lost their lives during their incarceration.
According to the minister, the prisoner transfer arrangement aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting the interests and welfare of Nigerians living outside the country.
She noted that the agreement would enable eligible inmates to serve the remainder of their sentences in Nigeria, where they can benefit from family support, rehabilitation programmes and improved access to medical care.
The minister further assured Nigerians in the diaspora that the government remains committed to strengthening citizen-focused diplomacy and implementing policies that safeguard their well-being regardless of where they reside.
The transfer deal is expected to address long-standing concerns surrounding the welfare of Nigerians imprisoned abroad, particularly in facilities where healthcare access and consular support have been limited.
Although the exact number of inmates expected to benefit from the agreement has not been disclosed, the development is being viewed as a significant step toward enhancing support for Nigerian nationals serving prison terms overseas.
