Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has visited Nigerian inmates at the Aba Samuel Prison in Ethiopia, assuring them that the Federal Government remains committed to their welfare and eventual reintegration.
The visit took place during a recent official trip by Nigerian government representatives to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital city.
Speaking with the inmates, the minister conveyed a message of reassurance from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the Nigerian government has not forgotten them despite their incarceration abroad.
“Your country will not abandon you. Your President is aware that you are here,” she told the prisoners.
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The visit came shortly after Nigeria and Ethiopia signed a bilateral Prisoner Transfer Agreement, which will allow Nigerian citizens serving jail terms in Ethiopia to be transferred home to complete the remainder of their sentences.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu disclosed that four Nigerian inmates died while negotiations, legal reviews, and final arrangements for the agreement were ongoing.
She described the pact as a landmark humanitarian initiative founded on justice, compassion, and mutual cooperation between both countries.
Delivering President Tinubu’s message, the minister reiterated that the protection and welfare of Nigerians living abroad remain a key priority of the administration. She also expressed gratitude to the Ethiopian government and people for their cooperation throughout the process.
While encouraging Nigerians overseas to remain law-abiding, she emphasized the importance of respecting the laws of host countries and warned against engaging in criminal activities.
According to her, the Nigerian government is determined to ensure that citizens facing legal challenges abroad are treated fairly and afforded all rights available under relevant legal frameworks. However, she stressed that government support should not be interpreted as an endorsement of unlawful conduct or impunity.
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