The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for reforms in correctional centres, highlighting the dire conditions across the country.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Executive Secretary of NHRC, Dr Tony Ojukwu SAN in Abuja to commemorate Nelson Mandela Day.
The Nelson Mandela International Day was launched in recognition of Nelson Mandela’s birthday on July 18, 2009 via unanimous decision of the UN General Assembly.
It was inspired by a call Nelson Mandela made a year earlier, for the next generation to take on the burden of leadership in addressing the world’s social injustices when he said that “it is in your hands now”.
Ojukwu emphasised the need to address issues like overcrowding, lengthy pre-trial detentions, and inadequate infrastructure, aligning with the spirit of Nelson Mandela’s legacy of justice and dignity.
He said Mandela’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the need to promote and protect human rights, particularly in Nigeria’s correctional centers.
”The current state of Nigeria’s correctional centres, which are overcrowded, under-resourced, and lack basic sanitation and healthcare, reflects a failure of infrastructure, justice, and humanity.
”Thousands of citizens are held in pre-trial detention for years due to poverty and lack of access to justice, while the rich have greater access to quality legal defense and bail, perpetuating systemic bias” he said.
He therefore urged the Nigerian government, judicial authorities, private sector, and civil society to prioritise comprehensive reforms in detention facilities and correctional centers.
This he said included improving conditions, investing in alternatives to pre-trial detention, ensuring speedy trials, and upholding the rights of inmates.
Ojukwu emphasised the need to tackle the root causes of incarceration, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to justice.
He added in order to build a society that values the dignity and human rights of all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status.
The day is a global call to action that celebrates the idea that each individual has the power to transform the world and the ability to make an impact.
As of June 23, 2025, the Nigerian Correctional Service said there are 81, 746 inmates in correctional centres, including pre-trial detainees.
This population is housed in 256 facilities across the country.
