The Federal Government has signed an agreement with Ethiopia to transfer more than 100 Nigerian inmates back home to serve the remainder of their prison terms in Nigeria.

The agreement was signed on Friday by Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and his Ethiopian counterpart, Hanna Arayaselassie, in the presence of senior officials from both countries.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, described the pact as a reflection of the strong commitment of Nigeria and Ethiopia to justice, rehabilitation and the welfare of affected citizens.

According to her, the arrangement recognises the importance of family support, language, culture and social connections in the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders, creating a more conducive environment for their reform and eventual return to society.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu disclosed that the Nigerian inmates are being held at Kaliti Prison and Aba Samuel Prison in Ethiopia. She revealed that at least four Nigerians have died in custody, while several others are battling serious health challenges.

During a visit to inmates at Aba Samuel Prison, the minister assured them that the Nigerian government had not abandoned them.

“Your country will not desert you. Your President knows you are here,” she told the inmates.

Videos shared by the minister showed prisoners celebrating the agreement and the prospect of returning to Nigeria.

She reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare, protection and dignity of Nigerians living abroad.