Nigeria and Ethiopia have signed a bilateral Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement, paving the way for eligible convicted nationals to serve their sentences in their home countries under agreed legal conditions.

Both governments also agreed to begin immediate implementation of the treaty in line with their respective domestic laws and international obligations.

The signing ceremony was facilitated by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and her Ethiopian counterpart, Gideon Timothewos, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Addis Ababa.

Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), signed on behalf of Nigeria, while Ethiopia’s Minister of Justice, Hanna Arayaselassie, signed for her country.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s appreciation and that of the Nigerian government, describing the agreement as a product of strengthened diplomatic cooperation between both nations.

She said the framework was rooted in “the principles of humanity, justice, and international cooperation,” adding that it would allow sentenced persons who are nationals of either country to be transferred home, subject to agreed conditions and applicable legal procedures.

The agreement is expected to enhance judicial cooperation between Nigeria and Ethiopia while supporting the humane treatment and rehabilitation of prisoners under international law.