Stakeholders, including the National Judicial Council (NJC), UNICEF, and the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, have called for urgent reforms to prioritize the rehabilitation and reintegration of young offenders over their imprisonment in correctional facilities. This appeal was made during the second public hearing of the Independent Investigative Panel on allegations of corruption, abuse of power, and inhumane treatment within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), held on Friday in Abuja.

UNICEF representative Nkiru Maduechesi revealed alarming statistics, stating that an average of 26,000 children and young persons under the age of 21 are placed in correctional facilities annually, with 74% of them awaiting trial. She emphasized the devastating impact of incarceration on young lives, noting that children in custody are often denied access to education and healthcare, which are critical for their development.

“The unique thing about children is that their lives cannot wait. As they grow, they miss out on education, health, and opportunities. If we don’t help them, they risk being left behind permanently,” Maduechesi said. She called for a multisectoral approach to address the issue, involving collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs, the Nigeria Police Force, and other relevant agencies.

Maduechesi also highlighted systemic challenges, such as the misrepresentation of children’s ages by law enforcement, which often leads to underage individuals being wrongfully detained. She urged a review of outdated laws, such as the 1962 Foster Institutions Act, to ensure better policies and practices for juvenile justice.

The panel’s chairperson, Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Interior, acknowledged the progress made in educating inmates through partnerships with institutions like the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). She urged the NCoS to recruit more teachers to provide skills training and education to inmates, emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation.

Uju Agomoh, Secretary of the panel and founder of Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), stressed the need to implement Sections 33 and 34 of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, which address the treatment of vulnerable persons, including women, the mentally ill, and those with disabilities in custodial centers. She called for urgent action to ensure these provisions are enforced.

Representing the Acting Controller General of the NCoS, Ibrahim Idris, assured stakeholders of the service’s commitment to addressing the issues raised and collaborating with relevant organizations to implement the provisions of the NCoS Act 2019.

The hearing underscored the urgent need for systemic reforms to protect the rights and futures of young offenders, ensuring they are rehabilitated and reintegrated into society rather than being trapped in a cycle of incarceration. The call for action reflects a growing recognition of the need to address the root causes of juvenile delinquency and provide support systems that enable young people to thrive.