By Favour Ulebor, Abuja
The Federal Government has promised technical training, capacity building and other reintegration opportunities for Nigerian inmates set to be transferred from Ethiopian prisons, as arrangements begin for the return of about 94 eligible prisoners under a newly signed prisoner transfer agreement between both countries.
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In a statement on Saturday signed by the Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Magnus Eze, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said the government was committed to helping the inmates rebuild their lives and pursue legitimate means of livelihood upon their return to Nigeria.
The minister made the pledge during a visit to Nigerian inmates at Aba Samuel Prison in Ethiopia, where she urged them to embrace personal rehabilitation and self improvement while preparing for their eventual transfer home.
According to Ethiopian authorities, about 98 Nigerian inmates are currently covered by the agreement, but only those who consent to the transfer and have at least one year remaining on their sentences would qualify, leaving about 94 inmates immediately eligible for repatriation.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the government remained committed to providing avenues for technical training, capacity building and other pathways that would enhance the inmates’ skills and create better opportunities for lawful living after their release.
“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,” she said.
She also urged the inmates not to return to the activities that led to their imprisonment, stressing the need to chart a new course when they return to Nigeria.
The minister further appealed to the inmates to cooperate with prison authorities by completing the required consent and documentation processes needed for their transfer.
She noted that the prisoner transfer arrangement was rooted in humanitarian principles and reflected the government’s commitment to the welfare and dignity of Nigerians abroad.
Assistant Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Aminu Yusuf, who represented the Controller General, assured the inmates that the service was prepared to receive them and complete the necessary procedures for their relocation to correctional centres closer to their families where possible.
He said, “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 dims 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 prisoners, their spokesperson (Name withheld) commended both governments for concluding the agreement and pledged that the inmates would conduct themselves responsibly if eventually repatriated to Nigeria.
