Nigeria and Ethiopia have signed a bilateral agreement to transfer more than 100 Nigerian prisoners serving sentences in Ethiopian correctional facilities back to Nigeria.

The agreement was confirmed by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who disclosed the development via her official X account following a signing ceremony in Addis Ababa.

The deal, concluded alongside Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), establishes a Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement between both countries.

Officials said the arrangement covers Nigerian inmates currently held in Kaliti Prison and Aba Samuel Prison in Ethiopia, with the aim of allowing them to complete their sentences in Nigeria’s correctional facilities.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the pact as part of efforts to protect Nigerians abroad, noting that prolonged negotiations had delayed the process. She also confirmed that at least four Nigerian prisoners died during the waiting period, underscoring concerns over prison conditions.

The agreement follows broader diplomatic efforts by the Federal Government to secure the return of nearly 300 Nigerians incarcerated in Ethiopia, amid reports of overcrowding, inadequate medical care, and deteriorating detention conditions.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Ethiopian government received the Nigerian delegation, which included senior justice and diplomatic officials, ahead of the signing ceremony in Addis Ababa.

Government officials added that the transfer framework is rooted in international cooperation principles, while also urging Nigerians abroad to comply with the laws of host countries.

Once implemented, the agreement will enable affected Nigerians to serve the remainder of their sentences within Nigeria’s correctional system.