Finally, some relief for families who have waited years. Nigeria has sealed a deal with Ethiopia that will let more than 100 Nigerians in Ethiopian jails serve the rest of their sentences back home.

The Federal Government signed the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement in Addis Ababa on Thursday. Nigeria's Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, signed for us, while Ethiopia's Minister of Justice, Ms Hanna Arayaselassie, signed for them.

It was facilitated by Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and her Ethiopian counterpart, Gideon Timothewos.

Why it matters:

More than 100 Nigerians, including four women, are currently in Ethiopian prisons and could now be transferred home.

Four Nigerians sadly died while the negotiations, judicial vetting and ratification were still dragging on.

The agreement means Nigerians (and Ethiopians in Nigeria) can apply to finish their jail terms in their own country, under their own laws.

Bianca Ojukwu called it a major diplomatic milestone rooted in humanity, justice and international cooperation. Her point was simple: family, language, culture and community matter when you're trying to rehabilitate someone.

She put it bluntly: “This arrangement recognises the important role that family, language, culture, and social support systems play in the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders. It also reflects our shared understanding that correctional systems should not only punish wrongdoing but should equally provide opportunities for rehabilitation, reformation, and eventual reintegration into one's society.”

She also stressed that protecting Nigerians abroad is a cardinal responsibility, especially now that citizen-centred diplomacy is a key pillar of foreign policy.

And she didn't mince words about the urgency: “We cannot afford to lose any more precious lives. We are determined to bring home the living.”

The minister also used the moment to remind Nigerians travelling abroad to respect local laws and protect Nigeria's image, but reaffirmed that anyone who does fall foul of the law will still be treated with dignity and given their rights.

Both sides say this is about more than prisons. Nigeria and Ethiopia, partners for over six decades, are also deepening cooperation on trade and investment, aviation, security, migration management, and regional peace.

Ethiopia's Foreign Minister, Timothewos, said the relationship should be strengthened through continuous consultation on issues of mutual interest.

Also at the signing were Nigeria's Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, Ambassador Nasir Aminu, officials of the Nigeria Correctional Service, and the Ethiopian Federal Prison Commission.

What next? Ojukwu is expected to visit Kaliti and Aba Samuel prisons in Ethiopia on Thursday to start the practical process.

Source: cbinews.tv

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