ABUJA:President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has transmitted a bill to the Senate seeking to amend Nigeria’s law on the transfer of convicted offenders, in a move aimed at expanding the country’s legal framework for prisoner-transfer agreements with foreign governments.
The proposed Transfer of Convicted Offenders (Enactment and Enforcement) Amendment Bill, 2026, was conveyed to the Senate for consideration, with the President requesting expeditious legislative action.
The letter transmitting the bill was read during Tuesday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
According to the President, the proposed amendment seeks to strengthen the existing legal framework for implementing agreements between Nigeria and other countries concerning the transfer of convicted persons.
The legislation seeks to amend the Transfer of Convicted Offenders (Enactment and Enforcement) Act, Cap. T16, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
A major provision would empower the President to extend the application of the Act to countries with which Nigeria has entered into relevant prisoner-transfer agreements through an order published in the Federal Gazette.
The proposed change is intended to facilitate arrangements with countries outside the Commonwealth, potentially widening Nigeria’s options for negotiating prisoner-transfer agreements.
Under such arrangements, convicted persons may, subject to applicable laws and agreed conditions, serve their sentences in another country.
These agreements typically establish procedures and conditions governing transfers between jurisdictions, including the legal and administrative requirements involved
Tinubu urged the Senate to give the bill prompt consideration, expressing hope that lawmakers would act expeditiously.
The proposed legislation was transmitted in accordance with Section 58(2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which addresses the President’s role in the legislative process.
The bill will require legislative consideration and passage, alongside the constitutionally required presidential assent, before it can become law.
The proposal, if enacted, could provide a broader legal basis for Nigeria to implement prisoner-transfer arrangements with countries beyond the Commonwealth, subject to relevant agreements and applicable legal requirements.
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