Two Nigerians recently released from prisons in Tanzania have appealed to the Federal Government to urgently facilitate the transfer of fellow citizens still serving prison terms in the East African country, citing harsh detention conditions, prolonged trials and limited legal protections for foreign inmates.
The former inmates, identified as Okechukwu and Henry, made the appeal in separate interviews, where they claimed that more than 30 Nigerians are currently incarcerated in various Tanzanian prisons, with over 20 reportedly held at Ukonga Central Prison in Dar es Salaam.
They urged the Federal Government to activate existing prisoner transfer arrangements with Tanzanian authorities to enable affected Nigerians complete their jail terms in their home country.
Responding to the appeal, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said it would pursue discussions with Tanzanian authorities on the implementation of a prisoner transfer agreement aimed at securing the return of Nigerians serving prison sentences in the country.
Recounting his experience, Okechukwu said he spent 15 years in prison after he and three other Nigerians were convicted on drug-related charges and sentenced to 30 years imprisonment.
According to him, one of the four inmates died in custody in 2016, while the remaining three eventually secured reduced prison terms following legal appeals and a presidential remission granted by the Tanzanian government.
He explained that although their release was initially scheduled for 2031, the remission reduced their sentences by five years, leading to their release in 2026.
Okechukwu also revealed that deported inmates are required to fund their return tickets after being handed over to immigration authorities, warning that those unable to do so risk being returned to prison.
Henry, who returned to Nigeria in October 2025, said he was arrested in 2016 over alleged drug trafficking and spent six years standing trial before receiving a life sentence.
He, however, said the Tanzanian Court of Appeal later discharged and acquitted him, leading to his deportation to Nigeria.
Both men alleged that many Nigerians remain behind bars in Tanzania, with some serving life imprisonment or lengthy jail terms ranging from 20 to 32 years.
They also raised concerns over prison conditions, claiming that inmates suffer from poor healthcare, prolonged detention and inadequate legal support.
According to Okechukwu, several Nigerian inmates have developed serious health complications while in custody, while others have reportedly died from illnesses.
He noted that legal representation is available only to inmates who can afford private lawyers, as the Tanzanian government does not provide free legal services in such cases.
The former inmates also highlighted Tanzania’s prisoner transfer framework, which they said allows convicted foreigners to complete their sentences in their home countries once a formal request is made by their governments.
They argued that the Nigerian government should initiate the process to secure the transfer of affected citizens.
The pair further criticised what they described as Tanzania’s strict “possession” law, alleging that anyone found at a location where illicit substances are discovered could face arrest, regardless of direct involvement.
They also expressed concern that foreign inmates are excluded from parole opportunities available to Tanzanian citizens, making it more difficult for them to regain their freedom.
Appealing to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the former prisoners called for immediate diplomatic engagement with Tanzanian authorities to improve the welfare of Nigerians in custody and facilitate the transfer of eligible inmates.
Human rights advocates have also continued to urge the Federal Government to strengthen consular support for Nigerians detained abroad while pursuing bilateral agreements that allow convicted citizens to serve their remaining prison terms in Nigeria.
