Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, arrived in Addis Ababa ahead of the signing of the agreement, accompanied by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi. Upon arrival, the Nigerian delegation was welcomed by Ethiopia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and the country’s Chief of Protocol.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu disclosed that the agreement is expected to be signed on Wednesday, marking a significant step in ongoing efforts to facilitate the transfer of Nigerian inmates from Ethiopian correctional facilities.
The minister revealed that four Nigerian prisoners lost their lives while negotiations, judicial processes and ratification of the agreement were ongoing.
“We cannot afford to lose any more precious lives. We are determined to bring home the living,” she stated in a post on her X handle.
She identified Kaliti Prison and Aba Samuel Prison as the detention facilities where the affected Nigerians are currently being held.
According to the minister, the transfer arrangement reflects the strong diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Ethiopia and is rooted in humanitarian concerns, justice and mutual cooperation between both nations.
While reiterating the Federal Government’s call on Nigerians living abroad to respect the laws of their host countries and uphold the nation’s reputation, Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed that the government remains committed to ensuring that citizens facing legal challenges overseas receive fair treatment under established legal procedures.
She further noted that the welfare and protection of Nigerians in foreign countries remain a major priority of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The minister also commended the Ethiopian government for its support and collaboration in making the prisoner transfer agreement possible.