Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has welcomed the successful conclusion of the prisoner exchange agreement between Nigeria and Ethiopia, describing the development as a positive humanitarian step that underscores the importance of protecting the dignity and rights of Nigerian citizens abroad.
Reacting to the development in a statement shared on his X handle, Obi commended the efforts of Nigerian and Ethiopian officials who worked to finalize the long-standing negotiations.
“The news of the conclusion of the prisoners exchange between Nigeria and Ethiopia is refreshing,” Obi stated.
He stressed that every Nigerian life matters and called for the protection of citizens’ constitutional rights regardless of their location or circumstances.
“Every life is precious, and ensuring the constitutional right to human dignity for all Nigerians – regardless of where they are or the circumstances they find themselves in – must remain a cornerstone of our national foreign policy,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor specifically praised the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and their Ethiopian counterparts for bringing the negotiations to a successful conclusion.
“I must therefore appreciate the efforts of our Foreign Affairs Minister, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and their Ethiopian counterparts for finally concluding these protracted negotiations,” Obi said.
Despite applauding the prisoner exchange, Obi expressed concern over reports that at least four Nigerian citizens died while in custody during the prolonged diplomatic process.
“However, we must reflect deeply on this development. 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. My heart goes out to their families, who had to endure the ultimate pain of losing loved ones in a foreign land,” he added.
Obi said the situation highlights deeper socio-economic challenges facing Nigeria, noting that many of those affected were young people seeking better opportunities outside the country.
“While we commend this humanitarian intervention, it serves as a reminder of a larger systemic crisis. The overwhelming majority of these citizens are young Nigerians. A significant number were arrested while transiting through Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport in search of green pastures.”
He urged Nigerians living abroad to obey the laws of their host countries but maintained that government must address the root causes driving mass migration.
“While we must continuously urge our citizens to remain law-abiding and respect the laws of host nations wherever they travel or reside, we must also ask ourselves a hard question: What drives our young and productive population into desperate circumstances across the globe?” he queried.
According to Obi, the country must create sustainable economic opportunities and strengthen its educational system to reduce the vulnerabilities associated with irregular migration.
“Until we build a New Nigeria that offers genuine economic opportunities, a functional educational framework, and an environment where hard work is rewarded, we will continue to grapple with the tragic consequences of mass emigration and its associated vulnerabilities,” he said.
He also called for effective management of correctional facilities to ensure rehabilitation and reintegration of the affected citizens who are expected to continue serving their sentences in Nigeria.
“As these citizens are brought home to serve out their terms, our correctional facilities must be properly managed with a focus on genuine rehabilitation and societal reintegration. Let us use this moment not just for short-term relief, but as an urgent call to build a nation that protects, values, and empowers its citizens here at home.”
Obi concluded by reiterating his belief that meaningful reforms and responsible leadership can transform the country.