Hundreds of Nigerians remain stranded in Ethiopian prisons despite a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Nigeria and Ethiopia to facilitate their repatriation. The agreement, which was expected to ease the return of Nigerian citizens serving various sentences, has stalled, leaving many inmates in despair as they continue to languish in detention facilities across the East African nation.
Reports indicate that the MoU, signed to create a legal framework for prisoner exchange and repatriation, has yet to be implemented months after both countries endorsed it. Nigerian inmates, most of whom were jailed on drug-related charges and immigration offences, have expressed frustration over the delay, lamenting worsening conditions in Ethiopian prisons. Family members of affected citizens back home have also appealed to the Federal Government to intervene urgently, stressing that many of the inmates are in dire health conditions.
Diplomatic sources reveal that the delay stems from bureaucratic bottlenecks and unresolved technicalities regarding the modalities of prisoner transfer. While Ethiopia has reportedly raised concerns about the implementation timeline and logistics, Nigeria is under pressure to secure the release of its citizens as part of its responsibility to protect nationals abroad.
Human rights advocates have also weighed in, urging both governments to act swiftly to alleviate the suffering of the inmates. They argued that the prolonged incarceration of Nigerians abroad without recourse to agreed diplomatic arrangements violates international human rights standards. The advocates further called on the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to intensify negotiations with Addis Ababa to ensure the repatriation deal is actualized.
Some prisoners who spoke through relatives and consular visits recounted harrowing experiences in overcrowded facilities, with limited access to medical care, proper nutrition, and legal aid. According to them, the delayed repatriation has dashed their hopes of returning home to serve their remaining sentences in more humane conditions under Nigerian prison authorities.
Civil society groups have also urged the Nigerian government to consider taking the matter to regional bodies such as the African Union (AU) or the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) if bilateral negotiations continue to stall. They emphasized that ensuring the safe return of citizens abroad is not just a diplomatic obligation but also a moral duty.
For now, the fate of the stranded Nigerians hangs in the balance as both countries struggle to break the deadlock. The prolonged delay continues to fuel growing anxiety among families and raises broader concerns about the effectiveness of Nigeria’s bilateral agreements and its ability to protect citizens in distress abroad.
