The Federal Government has assured Nigerian inmates set to be transferred from Ethiopian prisons of access to technical training, capacity-building programmes and other reintegration opportunities as preparations commence for the return of about 94 eligible prisoners under a newly signed prisoner transfer agreement between Nigeria and Ethiopia.
The assurance was conveyed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, during a visit to Nigerian inmates at Aba Samuel Prison in Ethiopia.
In a statement issued on Saturday by her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Dr. Magnus Eze, the minister said the government was determined to support the inmates in rebuilding their lives and securing legitimate means of livelihood upon their return to Nigeria.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu encouraged the inmates to embrace rehabilitation, personal development and self-improvement while preparing for their eventual transfer back home.
According to Ethiopian authorities, 98 Nigerian inmates are currently covered under the bilateral agreement. However, only prisoners who voluntarily consent to the transfer and have at least one year left to serve on their sentences qualify, leaving approximately 94 inmates immediately eligible for repatriation.
She explained that the government would create opportunities aimed at equipping the returnees with practical skills and knowledge that would enable them to reintegrate into society successfully.
“The government also remains committed to providing avenues for technical training, for capacity building, for other pathways that will enhance your skills and provide better opportunities for a legitimate living,” the minister stated.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also urged the inmates to avoid returning to the activities that led to their incarceration and encouraged them to embrace a fresh start upon their return to Nigeria.
She further appealed to the prisoners to cooperate fully with prison authorities by completing all required consent forms and documentation necessary to facilitate their transfer.
The minister noted that the prisoner transfer arrangement was based on humanitarian considerations and demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting the welfare and dignity of Nigerians living abroad.
Representing the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Assistant Controller General Aminu Yusuf assured the inmates that the service was fully prepared to receive them and process their relocation to correctional facilities closer to their families where possible.
“After we have received you in Kuje Correctional Centre, all other formalities, documentations and relocations will certainly take place. As you may be aware, the powers are vested on the Controller General to move you to the locations that he deems fit or where will be closer to your families.
“Once again, we wish you well and look forward to welcoming you back to Nigeria,” Yusuf said.
Speaking on behalf of the inmates, their representative expressed appreciation to both the Nigerian and Ethiopian governments for finalising the agreement and pledged that the prisoners would conduct themselves responsibly upon their return to Nigeria.
