The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has commended the Federal Government for successfully concluding a prisoner exchange agreement between Nigeria and Ethiopia, describing the development as a humane and commendable intervention.
Obi, however, expressed deep sadness over reports that at least four Nigerians died in Ethiopian custody while negotiations leading to the transfer of prisoners dragged on over the years.
In a statement posted on his X handle on Tuesday, the former Anambra State governor praised the efforts of the Federal Government and Ethiopian authorities in bringing the prolonged diplomatic process to a successful conclusion.
He specifically acknowledged the roles played by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), as well as officials of the Ethiopian government.
According to Obi, the agreement reflects the importance of protecting the dignity, welfare and rights of Nigerian citizens, regardless of where they find themselves.
He said the successful prisoner exchange should serve as an example of how governments must continue to place the wellbeing of their citizens at the centre of diplomatic engagements.
“I sincerely commend all those who worked tirelessly to make this humanitarian effort a reality,” Obi stated.
He noted that in a world where migration and cross-border movements have become increasingly common, governments have a responsibility to ensure that their citizens receive fair treatment abroad.
Despite his commendation, Obi said it was painful to learn that some Nigerians lost their lives before the process could be concluded.
“It is heartbreaking to learn that at least four Nigerian citizens lost their lives in custody while this diplomatic and administrative process dragged on over the past few years,” he said.
He extended his condolences to the bereaved families, praying that they find strength and comfort in the difficult period.
The former presidential candidate observed that many of the affected Nigerians were young people who had left the country in search of greener pastures and were arrested while transiting through Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport.
According to him, the development reflects the harsh realities confronting many Nigerian youths who embark on risky journeys in pursuit of better opportunities abroad.
Obi urged Nigerians travelling to other countries to respect and obey the laws of their host nations, warning that ignorance of foreign regulations could expose individuals to serious consequences.
At the same time, he stressed that the increasing desperation among young Nigerians to leave the country points to deeper socio-economic problems that require urgent attention.
He argued that unless Nigeria addresses unemployment, poverty and declining opportunities, many young people would continue to seek alternatives outside the country, often exposing themselves to danger.
“This situation should challenge us as a nation to reflect on why so many of our young people are willing to take huge risks in search of a better life,” he said.
He called on the government to create an economy that provides opportunities for citizens to thrive within the country.
According to Obi, improving the quality of education, encouraging entrepreneurship and ensuring that hard work is rewarded would help reduce the pressure pushing many young Nigerians to emigrate.
He said Nigeria possesses the human and natural resources needed to build a prosperous society where citizens can realise their dreams without embarking on uncertain journeys abroad.
For years, economic hardship, rising unemployment and insecurity have contributed to increasing migration among Nigerian youths seeking education, employment and improved living conditions overseas.
The trend, popularly described as the “Japa” phenomenon, has seen thousands of skilled and unskilled Nigerians relocate to other countries in search of opportunities.
While migration itself is not illegal, concerns have grown over the number of Nigerians who fall victim to trafficking networks, become stranded in foreign countries or run into legal difficulties due to unfamiliarity with local laws.
Obi also urged the Federal Government to ensure that Nigerians transferred under the agreement are treated humanely upon their return.
He stressed the need for proper management of correctional facilities where the returnees would serve the remainder of their sentences.
According to him, imprisonment should not merely be punitive but should also provide opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
He called for programs that would equip inmates with education, vocational skills and psychological support to enable them become productive members of society after completing their jail terms.
The former governor noted that a justice system focused solely on punishment without rehabilitation often fails to address the root causes of offending behaviour.
He further urged the authorities to use the latest development as a wake-up call to build a country that values, protects and empowers its citizens.
“Nigeria must become a nation where our people can live with dignity and hope, where young people can dream and achieve success without feeling compelled to risk everything elsewhere,” he said.
While many Nigerians have welcomed the successful prisoner transfer as a positive diplomatic achievement, the deaths of four citizens during the prolonged negotiations have also raised questions about the speed and effectiveness of consular interventions in cases involving Nigerians overseas.
As the returned prisoners prepare to continue serving their sentences in Nigeria, attention is expected to focus not only on their welfare and rehabilitation but also on the larger issues highlighted by Obi — creating opportunities for young people, strengthening institutions and ensuring that no Nigerian is abandoned, regardless of where they may be.