NIGERIA | CORRECTIONAL CENTRES | WAKE-UP CALL FOR REVIEW

Nigeria’s Century-Old Prisons: A Wake-Up Call for Reform

-SPECIAL REPORT-

In a candid interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, revealed a sobering truth: many of the country’s 246 correctional centres are over 100 years old, with some dating back to the colonial era. This stark reality underscores the urgent need for comprehensive prison reform, not just in infrastructure, but in philosophy, healthcare, and rehabilitation.

A System Stuck in Time

Tunji-Ojo highlighted that facilities like Ikoyi Prison (established in 1956) and Suleja Prison (1914) are still in operation, despite their age and deteriorating conditions. These institutions were never designed to meet modern standards of human rights or rehabilitation.

“Mr President did not become President 100 years ago… We have 246 correctional centres, and none were established under this administration,” Tunji-Ojo noted.

While 12 prisons are currently undergoing renovation, the scale of the challenge is immense. Each centre contains multiple structures, making nationwide upgrades a long-term endeavor.

Healthcare: From Neglect to Action

Until recently, some correctional centres operated without a single medical doctor. This lack of basic healthcare posed serious risks to inmates and staff alike.

Recent improvements include:

• ✅ Approval for the hiring of 50 doctors and 100 nurses.
• ✅ Deployment of NYSC doctors to correctional centres.
• ✅ Major surgeries conducted at Kuje Prison, signaling a shift toward medical accountability.

These steps mark a significant departure from past neglect, though the system still faces staffing shortages and uneven access to care.

Security and Intelligence: A Delicate Balance

Tunji-Ojo acknowledged ongoing efforts to fortify prisons, especially in light of recent jailbreaks. While specifics were withheld for security reasons, he emphasized collaboration with other agencies and the importance of intelligence work.

“There is a lot I wouldn’t want to talk about… but we are not where we were,” he said.

This cautious optimism reflects a government trying to balance transparency with operational security.

How Nigeria Compares Globally

Nigeria’s prison challenges are not unique, but they are particularly acute. Here's how the country stacks up against international benchmarks:

Country	Infrastructure Age	Healthcare Access	Reform Focus	Recidivism Rate
🇳🇬 Nigeria	100+ years in many cases	Recently improved	Mixed: punishment & reform	~50–60% (est.)
🇳🇴 Norway	Modern, humane	Excellent	Rehabilitation	~20%
🇩🇪 Germany	Updated, normalized	Strong	Reintegration	~30%
🇺🇸 USA	Mixed quality	Varies by state	Punitive	~40–50%

Global Success Stories: Lessons for Nigeria

Several countries have successfully reimagined their prison systems:

• Norway: Focuses on dignity and education. Inmates live in apartment-style units and receive vocational training. Result: lowest recidivism globally.
• Germany: Emphasizes normalization, prison life mimics the outside world. Inmates wear their own clothes and work regular jobs.
• Georgia (USA): Faith-based reentry programs offer mentorship, housing, and job training. Result: 70% parole success rate.
• South Africa: Restorative justice circles allow victims and offenders to engage in healing dialogue, reducing reoffending.

Challenges to Reform

Even successful reforms face obstacles:

• Funding constraints: Infrastructure upgrades require sustained investment.
• Public skepticism: Many view prisons as places for punishment, not rehabilitation.
• Legal inertia: Outdated laws can hinder progress.
• Staffing and training: Recruiting qualified personnel remains a hurdle.

The Road Ahead for Nigeria

While the current administration has taken meaningful steps, the journey is far from over. A modern correctional system must go beyond bricks and mortar, it must embrace rehabilitation, reintegration, and respect for human dignity.

Key priorities moving forward:

• Expand non-custodial sentencing options.
• Invest in vocational and educational programs.
• Strengthen mental health services.
• Foster community partnerships for reentry support.

Nigeria stands at a crossroads. With political will, public support, and strategic investment, its prison system can evolve from relic to reformer, offering not just punishment, but a path to redemption.

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