Empowering Inmates: A New Era in Nigeria’s Prison Reform

Under the leadership of Hon. Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Nigeria’s Ministry of Interior is making significant strides in prison reform, championing the welfare and rehabilitation of inmates across the country. In an unprecedented shift, the ministry has introduced bold policies designed to transform the nation’s correctional services, with a focus on reformation, dignity, and rehabilitation, rather than mere punishment.

One of the standout initiatives is the showroom in Maiduguri, where products made by inmates are displayed for sale, a unique testament to the empowerment of those behind bars. This initiative is supported by international bodies such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), with funding from the German government and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (@StateINL). By equipping inmates with skills and opportunities, these efforts are fostering a path toward rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

For decades, Nigeria’s correctional facilities have struggled with overcrowding, poor living conditions, and the neglect of inmates’ welfare. The result has been a system more focused on punishment than reformation, with over two-thirds of the country’s 80,000 inmates awaiting trial, some far beyond the length of time they would have served had they been sentenced. This grim reality reflects years of systemic failure, but under Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s leadership, things are beginning to change.

The welfare of inmates has become a central priority. For the first time in years, efforts are being made to improve the physical and mental health of those in correctional centers, addressing the debilitating conditions that often led to unrest and violence. Through partnerships with relevant agencies and NGOs, the ministry is now providing better healthcare, educational programs, and vocational training.

This holistic approach is aimed at reducing tensions within the prison walls, turning these correctional centers into true reformatories. The ministry’s collaboration with international organizations highlights its commitment to reform. The ongoing support from the UNODC and funding from international partners has made a tangible difference, not only in the physical upkeep of the correctional centers but also in the quality of life for the inmates.

The reforms led by Dr. Tunji-Ojo are a breath of fresh air, not only because they are long overdue but because they reflect a genuine commitment to justice and human dignity. The hope is that, through continued policy innovation and collaboration, Nigeria’s correctional services will truly become a system of rehabilitation—where inmates are prepared for a productive life post-incarceration, and where dignity and second chances are not just ideas but realities.

Femi Salako is a media relations expert, writes  from Abuja.