Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has assured Nigerians serving prison sentences in Ethiopia that the Federal Government has not abandoned them.
During a visit to Nigerian inmates at AbaSamuel Prison in Ethiopia, the minister told the prisoners that President Bola Tinubu is aware of their situation and remains committed to their welfare.
“Your country will not desert you. Your President knows you are here,” she told the inmates.
Nigeria, Ethiopia Sign Prisoner Transfer Agreement
The visit comes shortly after Nigeria and Ethiopia signed a Prisoner Transfer Agreement, which will allow convicted citizens of both countries to serve their prison terms in their respective home nations.
According to Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the agreement was reached after months of negotiations, legal reviews, and approvals by both governments.
She described the deal as a major step toward strengthening cooperation between Nigeria and Ethiopia while promoting justice and humanitarian values.
Four Nigerians Died Before Agreement Was Finalised
The minister revealed that four Nigerian inmates died in Ethiopian prisons while both countries were still working to complete the agreement.
She expressed sadness over the losses, noting that the lengthy legal and administrative process delayed the finalisation of the deal.
Despite the setback, she said the agreement now provides a legal pathway for convicted persons to be transferred and serve their sentences closer to their families and support systems.
FG Pledges Continued Support For Citizens Abroad
Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to protecting Nigerians living overseas, including those facing legal challenges.
She urged Nigerians abroad to obey the laws of their host countries and uphold the country’s image, while assuring that citizens in conflict with the law would continue to receive support within the limits of international and legal frameworks.
The minister also thanked the Ethiopian government for its cooperation throughout the negotiation process.
Source: Adapted from statements by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and posts shared by Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu on X.
