The Nigerian Correctional Service has identified overcrowding, stigma, inadequate funding and shortages of instructors as major challenges to the effective rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates.
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has said custodial congestion, inadequate funding, obsolete workshop equipment, insufficient training infrastructure and shortages of qualified vocational instructors remain major challenges to the effective rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates.
The NCoS Public Relations Officer, CSC Jane Osuji, stated this in response to questions on the effectiveness of correctional facilities.
Osuji said current population figures show 86,486 inmates against an installed capacity of 68,486, placing significant pressure on custodial infrastructure.
She noted that former inmates also face unemployment, discrimination, family rejection and difficulties securing accommodation and start-up resources after release.
“A stronger post-release support system, expanded employment opportunities and reliable monitoring of reoffending are therefore imperative to properly assess the effectiveness of correctional programmes”.
Rehabilitation remains central to the service’s mandate under the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, alongside the safe custody of persons lawfully committed to its care.
The service’s rehabilitation framework covers education, vocational training and psycho-social interventions aimed at promoting behavioural change and responsible living.
Educational opportunities include basic literacy, secondary education through recognised examination bodies, and tertiary education through the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
The NCoS currently operates 18 NOUN study centres in custodial facilities nationwide, with more than 1,125 inmates enrolled. Of these, 261 are undergraduates and 62 are postgraduate students.
Vocational programmes cover tailoring, carpentry, welding, electrical installation, agriculture, information technology and other trades designed to improve inmates’ prospects of employment or self-employment.
Counselling, religious and moral instruction, sports and other supportive activities form part of the service’s psycho-social interventions.
Osuji said the impact of rehabilitation should be assessed through participation and completion rates, educational achievements, vocational certifications and evidence of behavioural change.
The service is reviewing the methodology and data supporting its field assessments to ensure that any public claims of behavioural improvement are properly substantiated.
On reintegration, preparation begins from admission into custody, with inmates receiving tailored education, vocational training, counselling and other interventions.
The service has introduced starter packs containing trade-related tools and equipment to help trained inmates establish businesses after release. In 2025, approximately 42 inmates received such packs, though the number remains modest relative to the overall population of released persons.
Family engagement, mediation, psychological preparation and partnerships with government institutions, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders support reintegration efforts.
On reoffending, Osuji cited figures attributed to the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, showing that recorded recidivists declined from 3,156 in 2024 to 1,392 in 2025. These figures were reported alongside inmate populations of 80,430 in 2024 and 83,233 in 2025.
The service is strengthening digital information management and post-release tracking to improve the reliability of data on reoffending. However, establishing a direct link between specific rehabilitation programmes and changes in recidivism requires systematic evaluation.
Osuji appealed to employers, families, community leaders and civil society organisations to provide reasonable opportunities for former inmates willing to lead lawful lives.
She said the NCoS is pursuing infrastructure expansion, modernised workshops, improved education, stronger non-custodial measures and private-sector partnerships to enhance rehabilitation and public safety.
Reintegration efforts must respect victims’ rights, dignity and welfare, she added, noting that rehabilitation and public safety are complementary objectives that require collaboration among correctional authorities, government institutions, employers, families and communities.
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