Nigeria, Ethiopia seal deal for prisoner repatriation of over 100 inmates

The Federal Government of Nigeria has reportedly reached an agreement with the government of Ethiopia to transfer more than 100 Nigerian prisoners held in Ethiopian correctional facilities back to Nigeria.

According to information from diplomatic and government sources, the agreement is aimed at addressing welfare and consular concerns affecting Nigerian nationals serving sentences in Ethiopia. The arrangement is also expected to strengthen bilateral cooperation on justice administration and prisoner transfer protocols between both countries.

Officials familiar with the development say the agreement will allow eligible Nigerian inmates to complete the remainder of their sentences in Nigeria, subject to domestic legal procedures and correctional service guidelines. The transfer process is expected to be carried out in phases, beginning with inmates who meet specified criteria under the agreement.

The move is part of broader efforts by both governments to enhance consular protection for citizens abroad and ensure humane treatment of foreign nationals within their correctional systems.

While details of the agreement have not been fully disclosed, sources indicate that discussions between the two countries have been ongoing for some time, focusing on legal cooperation, prisoner welfare, and repatriation frameworks.

Neither government has issued a comprehensive public statement confirming the full operational timeline of the transfer, but officials are expected to provide further clarification as implementation begins.

The development is seen as a significant step in strengthening diplomatic and judicial ties between Nigeria and Ethiopia, particularly in the area of criminal justice cooperation and citizen protection.