The Nigerian Correctional Service says custodial congestion, inadequate funding, obsolete workshop equipment, insufficient training infrastructure, and shortages of qualified vocational instructors hinder effective rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates.

NCoS spokesperson Jane Osuji said the agency’s population figures showed 86,486 inmates against an installed capacity of 68,486, putting pressure on custodial infrastructure. She said that former inmates also face unemployment, discrimination, family rejection and difficulties securing accommodation and start-up resources.

Ms Osuji said stronger post-release support, employment opportunities and reliable monitoring of reoffending were therefore imperative to determining the effectiveness of correctional programmes. According to her, 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.

She explained that the service’s rehabilitation framework covered education, vocational training and psycho-social interventions aimed at promoting behavioural change and responsible living. NCoS official also explained that educational opportunities include basic literacy, secondary education through recognised examination bodies and tertiary education through the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

Ms Osuji said the NCoS currently operates 18 NOUN study centres in custodial facilities nationwide, with more than 1,125 inmates enrolled in various programmes.

“The figure consists of 261 undergraduates and 62 postgraduate students,” she said.

Ms Osuji added that vocational programmes covered tailoring, carpentry, welding, electrical installation, agriculture, information technology and other trades intended to improve inmates’ prospects of employment or self-employment.

She said that counselling, religious and moral instruction, sports and other supportive activities formed part of the service’s psycho-social interventions. The NCoS national spokesperson, however, said the impact of rehabilitation should be assessed through participation and completion rates, educational achievements, vocational certifications and evidence of behavioural change.

On reintegration, Osuji said preparation began from admission into custody, with inmates receiving education, vocational training, counselling and other interventions tailored to their needs. She said the service had introduced starter packs containing trade-related tools and equipment to help trained inmates establish businesses or pursue self-employment after release.

“In 2025, approximately 42 inmates received such starter packs, although the number remained modest compared with the overall population of released persons,” Ms Osuji said.

She added that family engagement, mediation, psychological preparation and partnerships with government institutions, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders supported reintegration efforts.

(NAN)