The Federal Government has called upon the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to promptly conclude the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Exchange of Sentenced Persons between the two nations.
Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, conveyed this position during a meeting with the Ethiopian Ambassador to Nigeria, Legesse Geremew Haile, held in her office at Tafawa Balewa House, Abuja.
In her remarks, the Minister expressed the Federal Government’s dissatisfaction regarding the ongoing embarrassment and harassment experienced by Nigerians, including those holding Official and Diplomatic Passports, in Addis Ababa.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu reminded the Ethiopian Ambassador that the Nigerian side had already addressed the Ethiopian observations in the draft MoU on the Exchange of Sentenced Persons and questioned the reasons for the delay in signing the agreement, despite assurances made during their meeting on March 6, 2025.
The Minister articulated her deep concern for the welfare of Nigerian inmates in Ethiopia, who, she noted, were facing significant challenges, including a lack of access to medical care. She emphasised the considerable difficulties this situation poses for the Ethiopian Government as well.
Expressing her dismay at the recent death of a Nigerian national in an Ethiopian prison, she stated, “Our people don’t want to hear that another Nigerian inmate died in Ethiopian prison.” This statement underlined the government’s commitment to citizen diplomacy and the desire to prevent such tragic incidents from recurring.
Furthermore, Odumegwu-Ojukwu lamented the continued delay in the return of funds seized from Nigerian businessmen by the Ethiopian Government. She referenced a statement made by the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed, during the 40th Session of the Executive Council of the African Union in February 2022, where he granted amnesty to all African travellers whose funds were seized at Bole International Airport due to non-declaration of amounts exceeding three thousand US Dollars, as per the then-existing Ethiopian law.
The Minister expressed regret that, out of the 25 Nigerians affected, only 15 had been approved for refunds, hindered by the stringent conditions imposed by the Ethiopian authorities. To date, only two individuals have received their seized funds.
She highlighted the distressing case of Mr. Francis Chukwuma Uzoh, whose US$70,000 was confiscated by Ethiopian officials. Despite fulfilling all necessary conditions, he has yet to be refunded since 2022, leading to severe personal repercussions, including homelessness and significant debt.
Consequently, the Minister urged the Ethiopian envoy to advocate for a final opportunity for the Ethiopian Government to return Mr. Francis’s $70,000 while he is still alive, emphasising, “so they don’t use the money to bury him when he has gone.”
In addition, the Minister pointed out that the visa waiver for holders of Official and Diplomatic Passports is linked to the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) previously established between the two countries.
In light of the recent experiences faced by Nigerians in Addis Ababa, Odumegwu-Ojukwu accused Ethiopia of unilaterally withdrawing from the MoU without prior notification to Nigeria. She expressed concern over this development, particularly as Addis Ababa serves as a hub for many Nigerians who have chosen Ethiopian Airlines as their preferred carrier.
Nonetheless, the Minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing bilateral relations with Ethiopia, assuring that the 4th Session of the Nigeria-Ethiopia Joint Commission would soon convene in Abuja.
In response, the Ethiopian Ambassador stated that the visa waiver agreement remains valid but requires ratification by Ethiopia’s House of Representatives. He clarified that the Embassy has been issuing visas to Nigerians holding official and diplomatic passports, noting that issues arise primarily with applicants using regular passports.
“The visa on arrival has neither been withdrawn nor abrogated,” he asserted, emphasising, “We are very close to Nigeria. The Ethiopian Government views the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a very strategic partner.”
He also expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Government for the additional seven slots recently approved for Ethiopian Airlines on the Lagos route.
