The Federal Government has concluded arrangements with Ethiopia for the transfer of more than 100 Nigerians serving jail terms in Addis Ababa back to Nigeria.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu travelled to Addis Ababa on Tuesday alongside Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi to sign the Memorandum of Understanding on the Exchange of Sentenced Persons. The pact is scheduled for signing on Wednesday.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the agreement will allow affected Nigerians to complete the remainder of their sentences in Nigerian correctional facilities. She noted that four inmates died during the prolonged negotiations and ratification process.

“We cannot afford to lose any more precious lives. We are determined to bring home the living,” she wrote on X.

The minister said the Nigerians are currently held at Kaliti Maximum Security Prison and Aba Samuel Prison, mostly for drug-related offences. She described the deal as a product of bilateral cooperation anchored on humanitarian grounds and justice.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, over 270 Nigerians are serving prison terms in Ethiopia. Families and rights groups have raised alarms over poor conditions including inadequate food, limited medical care, and reports of brutality.

President Bola Tinubu dispatched the delegation following reports that inmates were “dying” in deteriorating conditions at Kaliti prison. The repatriation marks the first direct presidential intervention on the issue after years of stalled diplomatic talks.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu added that while Nigeria continues to urge citizens abroad to obey host country laws, the government remains committed to ensuring fair treatment and welfare for Nigerians facing legal challenges overseas.

Sources: Channels TV, Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu X post, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Punch