The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has called on the Federal Government to urgently reform Nigeria’s correctional system, describing the nation’s custodial centres as overcrowded, dilapidated and unfit for human habitation.
In a statement issued on.Monday, the group alleged that correctional centres have become “places of torment, dehumanisation and corruption” rather than facilities for rehabilitation, warning that the poor conditions pose serious public health and human rights concerns.
According to the forum, prolonged detention of awaiting-trial inmates has resulted in severe overcrowding, widespread disease outbreaks, poor feeding conditions and frequent inmate deaths.
The FWF claimed that inmates are forced to sleep on bare floors in congested cells, with some reportedly sleeping on top of one another due to a lack of space. It also expressed concern over the prevalence of infectious diseases, including tuberculosis, saying the situation threatens not only inmates but also correctional officers, their families and surrounding communities.
The forum criticised what it described as prolonged delays in the administration of justice, alleging that many Nigerians remain in custody for between 10 and 15 years without being convicted. It argued that such lengthy pre-trial detention amounts to a grave injustice and called on judicial authorities to take urgent steps to address the backlog of cases.
It further questioned whether regular inspections of correctional facilities are being carried out, insisting that the conditions in many centres amount to a violation of inmates’ fundamental rights.
As part of its recommendations, the FWF urged the Federal Government to grant a general amnesty aimed at decongesting correctional facilities and to exercise the prerogative of mercy for inmates who have spent more than five years awaiting trial.
The group also called for the abolition of capital punishment, recommending that all death sentences be commuted to life imprisonment. It further proposed that legislation be enacted to ensure no awaiting-trial inmate spends more than one year in custody without the conclusion of their case.
Beyond inmates’ welfare, the forum expressed concern over the working conditions of correctional officers, alleging that many personnel are forced to purchase uniforms, boots, belts and other official kits with their personal funds despite their modest salaries.
The FWF also alleged that officers participating in ongoing promotion examinations were required to contribute ₦10,000 each for the “welfare” of examiners. It further claimed that similar welfare-related extortion exists within other paramilitary agencies under the Federal Ministry of Interior.
The forum urged the Federal Government to investigate the allegations, improve the welfare of correctional officers and implement comprehensive reforms to restore the correctional system’s rehabilitative purpose while safeguarding the rights and dignity of inmates.
