Nigerian inmates at AbaSamuel Prison in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, have welcomed the newly signed Prisoner Transfer Agreement between Nigeria and Ethiopia, describing it as a landmark development that has renewed their hope of returning home to complete their jail terms.
The bilateral agreement, facilitated by the federal government through the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, will enable eligible Nigerian prisoners serving sentences in Ethiopia to be transferred to Nigeria to serve the remainder of their custodial terms.
The inmates reportedly expressed excitement over the arrangement, which is expected to pave the way for their eventual repatriation, allowing them to complete their sentences closer to their families and support systems.
They also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the federal government for prioritising the welfare of Nigerians living abroad, saying the development has brought renewed optimism and emotional relief.
Reacting to the development, Ojukwu, in a post on X on Saturday, said the atmosphere among the inmates was filled with excitement and hope following the announcement of the agreement.
“The atmosphere was absolutely electric. Our incarcerated nationals were ecstatic! Happiness Renewed; Hope Renewed,” she wrote.
According to her, the prisoners were particularly elated by the prospect of being transferred back to Nigeria under the newly signed arrangement.
“Pure unaltered joy at the prospects of returning to their homeland for conclusion of custodial terms, courtesy of the landmark Agreement on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons we have just signed with the Government of Ethiopia,” she added.
Ojukwu further reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to the welfare and protection of Nigerians abroad, noting that the Tinubu administration places high priority on citizens’ well-being under its Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The welfare of our citizens abroad, regardless of where they may be, is of paramount importance under the Renewed Hope Agenda,” she said.
