The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has told Nigerians in Ethiopian prisons that they have not been abandoned, saying President Bola Tinubu was aware of their condition.
The minister reassured the prisoners that the Nigerian government remained committed to their welfare despite their incarceration abroad.
“Your country will not desert you. Your President knows you are here,” she told the prisoners.
This follows the signing of a bilateral Prisoner Transfer Agreement that will allow convicted citizens of both Nigeria and Ethiopia to serve their prison sentences in their respective home countries.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu disclosed this during a visit to Nigerian prisoners at AbaSamuel Prisons in Ethiopia.
Details of the visit were later shared on her official X account on Saturday.
The agreement was concluded after months of negotiations, judicial reviews and final approvals by both governments, and it is expected to facilitate the transfer of convicted persons between both countries.
However, the process was marred by the deaths of four Nigerian inmates held in Ethiopian prisons before the pact could be finalised.
The minister said the newly signed agreement provides a legal framework for the transfer of convicted persons between Nigeria and Ethiopia, describing it as a significant step in strengthening judicial cooperation between the two countries.
“We signed, a few days ago, a bilateral Prisoner Transfer Agreement with the Government of Ethiopia,” she said.
Expressing concern over the deaths of four Nigerian inmates during the prolonged negotiation process, the minister noted that the losses occurred while both countries worked through the legal and administrative procedures required to finalise the deal.
“We have lost four Nigerian prisoners within the time frame it has taken for the negotiations, judicial vetting and the conclusion of this agreement,” she stated.
According to her, the agreement is founded on humanitarian principles and is intended to promote justice, compassion and cooperation between Nigeria and Ethiopia.
The minister also conveyed Tinubu’s appreciation to the Ethiopian government and people for their support and cooperation throughout the process.
The minister also conveyed Tinubu’s appreciation to the Ethiopian government and people for their support and cooperation throughout the process.
She reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to protecting the interests and welfare of Nigerians living abroad.
While urging Nigerians overseas to respect the laws of their host countries and uphold the nation’s image, Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed that citizens facing legal challenges abroad would continue to receive support under applicable legal frameworks.
“While we continue to encourage our citizens living and travelling abroad to respect the laws of their host countries and uphold the good name of our nation, we also remain committed to ensuring that those who find themselves in conflict with the law will not be totally abandoned to their fate but accorded their rights under applicable legal frameworks,” she said.