Nigeria and Ethiopia have signed a bilateral agreement that will allow more than 100 Nigerian prisoners serving jail terms in Ethiopia to be transferred back home to complete their sentences in Nigeria.

The agreement, known as the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Pact, was signed in Addis Ababa as part of efforts to strengthen judicial cooperation and address humanitarian concerns surrounding the welfare of incarcerated citizens. The deal was signed by Nigeria's Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, and Ethiopia's Minister of Justice, Hanna Arayaselassie.

Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, described the agreement as a major milestone rooted in justice, humanity, and the longstanding relationship between both African nations. She noted that the arrangement would enable affected inmates to serve the remainder of their sentences closer to their families and support systems.

According to the minister, many of the Nigerian inmates are currently held in Kaliti and Aba Samuel prisons in Ethiopia. She revealed that four Nigerian prisoners died during the lengthy negotiation and ratification process, stressing the urgency of bringing the remaining inmates home.

The Federal Government said the agreement reflects its commitment to protecting the welfare of Nigerians abroad while also encouraging citizens to obey the laws of their host countries. Officials added that the pact will strengthen cooperation between Nigeria and Ethiopia in justice administration and consular affairs.

The prisoner transfer arrangement is expected to pave the way for the gradual relocation of the affected inmates once all legal and administrative procedures are completed in both countries.