An Overview of the Nigerian Prison Service (NPS) – Federal Ministry of Interior

You’ve probably heard about the deplorable state of Nigerian prisons and the harsh conditions inmates face, but how much do you really know about the Nigeria Prison Service itself? As an agency under the Federal Ministry of Interior, the NPS is responsible for the administration of prisons in Nigeria and the safe custody of inmates.

This overview will give you insight into the history, structure, types, challenges, and functions of the Nigeria Prison Service. You’ll gain a better understanding of this troubled system and why prison reform is so urgently needed.

History and Establishment of Nigeria Prison Service

 

Nigeria Prison Service

Nigerian Prison Service (NPS) is a Nigerian government agency in charge of prison operations. The agency has its headquarters in Abuja and is overseen by the Ministry of Interior and the Civil Defence Immigration and Correctional Service.

The Nigeria Prison Service (NPS) has a long and complex history that dates back to the colonial era. It was established in 1861, which was the year in Nigeria when a Western-style prison was conceptually built. The establishment of an official governing mechanism began with the designation of Lagos as a colony in 1861.

The colonial government’s priority at this point was to safeguard legitimate trade, ensure the profit of British merchants, and ensure the missionaries’ operations. To that purpose, by 1861, the acting governor of the Lagos colony, who was also a wealthy British trader in Lagos, had established a Police Force of about 25 constables. During the colonial era, prisons were established by the British administration to exert control and enforce the law. These prisons, which were often built with limited resources, have become a symbol of neglect and harsh conditions.

This was followed in 1863 by the establishment of four courts in Lagos: a police court to settle minor disputes, a criminal court to try more serious cases, a slave court to try cases arising from efforts to abolish the slave trade, and a commercial court to settle disputes among merchants and traders. The operation of these courts and police in that colonial setting necessitated the establishment of a prison to round out the system. And it didn’t take long because the Broad Street prison opened in 1872 with a capacity of 300 inmates. The Prison Regulation was published in 1917 to define procedures for admission, detention, treatment, and classification, as well as staffing, food, and clothing in prisons.

The Nigerian Prison Service was renamed The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), President Muhammadu Buhari changed the name on the 15th of August 2019 after signing the Nigerian Correctional Service Act of 2019.

Despite its challenges, the NCoS has made notable progress in recent years. Efforts have been made to improve staff training and modernize prison facilities. Additionally, partnerships with non-governmental organizations and international bodies have contributed to initiatives focused on rehabilitation and reintegration.

Functions of the Nigeria Prison Service

The NPS has many important roles. Here are 10 of their main functions:

  1. Holding detainees. The NPS is responsible for taking in and holding people accused or convicted of crimes.
  2. Rehabilitating offenders. They aim to reform prisoners through counseling, education, and job training programs.
  3. Ensuring the welfare of inmates. Making sure all detainees have shelter, food, medical care, and their basic needs met.
  4. Maintaining security. Keeping prisoners confined, preventing disturbances, violence, escapes, and smuggling of contraband.
  5. Supervising inmates. Closely monitoring prisoner behavior and activities. Issuing appropriate disciplinary action when needed.
  6. Reintegrating ex-convicts into society. Helping released inmates transition back into regular life through rehabilitation and reentry programs.
  7. Keeping records. Documenting the details of each inmate’s personal history, charges, sentencing, behavior, activities, and release.
  8. Providing visitation. Allowing inmates to have supervised visits with family, friends, lawyers, and other approved individuals.
  9. Transporting inmates. Safely moving prisoners between prisons to court, hospitals, or other locations as needed.
  10. Releasing qualified inmates. Discharging prisoners who have served their full sentence, been granted parole, or meet release requirements.

The NPS works to uphold justice and protect citizens by carrying out these critical roles and functions in a humane, ethical manner.

What are the departments in Nigeria Prison Service?

The Nigerian Correctional Service is divided into two main areas, namely;

Custodial Service

The Custodial Service is responsible for inmates and facilities. It manages inmate accommodation, feeding, healthcare, and rehabilitation programs. The service aims to reform inmates through counseling, education, and skills acquisition.

Non-Custodial Service

The Non-Custodial Service supervises paroles, pardons, and community service. It monitors inmates released on bail, parole, or pardon to ensure they meet the conditions of their release and stay out of trouble. The department also oversees community service, where selected inmates work on projects that benefit the public.

Types of Prisons In Nigeria

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) operates five main types of prisons, each serving a specific purpose within the criminal justice system. These prisons are designed to meet the diverse needs of inmates and ensure their proper custody, care, and rehabilitation.

Security Prisons

Security prisons are the most common type of jail in Nigeria. They are classified into three groups:

Maximum-Security Prisons: These facilities are highly fortified and equipped with advanced security measures to hold high-risk and dangerous offenders. Maximum-security prisons are intended for inmates who pose significant threats to society or have committed severe crimes. Gashua Maximum Security Prison, Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison, and others are examples of such facilities.

The NPS ensures strict supervision and control to prevent escapes and maintain public safety.

Medium-Security Prisons: Medium-security prisons house inmates who have committed less severe offenses or have demonstrated good behavior during their incarceration. Kuje Medium Prison, Kirikiri Medium Security Prison, and others are examples of such prisons.

These facilities strike a balance between security and rehabilitation, providing inmates with opportunities for education, skill development, and counseling. The aim is to prepare them for successful reintegration into society upon release.

Minimum-Security Prisons: Also known as open prisons, minimum-security facilities accommodate inmates who have displayed exceptional behavior and pose a minimal risk to society. These prisons prioritize the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates, offering them more freedom and autonomy within the confines of the facility. Inmates may participate in work-release programs, vocational training, and community service to facilitate their transition back into society.

Juvenile/Minor Correctional Centers

The NCoS recognizes the unique needs of juvenile offenders and operates specialized correctional centers for young offenders. These centers prioritize education, counseling, and skill development to ensure the rehabilitation and reformation of juvenile inmates. The aim is to provide them with the necessary tools and support to become productive members of society.

Women Correctional Centers

The NCoS acknowledges the importance of gender-specific facilities for female offenders. Women correctional centers provide a safe and conducive environment for female inmates, addressing their specific needs and challenges. In Nigeria, there are just two prisons that are primarily for women, namely, Numan Old Prison and Kirikiri Women’s Prison.

These centers offer various rehabilitation programs, vocational training, and healthcare services tailored to female inmates, promoting their successful reintegration into society.

Military Prisons in Nigeria

In addition to the various types of prisons mentioned earlier, Nigeria also has military prisons that cater specifically to members of the armed forces who have been convicted of crimes. These prisons serve as correctional facilities for military personnel who have violated military laws or committed offenses while on duty.

Military prisons in Nigeria play a crucial role in maintaining discipline and upholding the standards of the armed forces. They are designed to ensure the security and rehabilitation of military inmates while addressing their unique needs and challenges. The Giwa Barracks Detention Facility in Borno State (Maiduguri) is an example of a military prison.

Inmates in military prisons are provided with opportunities for rehabilitation, education, and skill development to facilitate their reformation and successful reintegration into the armed forces or civilian life, depending on their circumstances.

The existence of military prisons reflects the commitment of the Nigerian military to upholding discipline, accountability, and justice within its ranks.

Psychiatric prisons

The NCoS also has specialized facilities known as psychiatric prisons. These prisons cater to individuals who have been found guilty of committing crimes but are also dealing with mental health issues that require specific attention and treatment.

The focus of psychiatric prisons is not only on punishment but also on providing adequate mental health care and support. Inmates receive comprehensive assessments by mental health professionals to develop personalized treatment plans that address their specific conditions. This approach aims to promote their recovery, reduce the risk of re-offending, and enhance their overall well-being.

Within psychiatric prisons, there is a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, and social workers. These professionals work collaboratively to provide holistic care, ensuring that inmates receive the necessary medical treatment, therapy, and rehabilitation programs to aid in their recovery and successful reintegration into society.

The Nigerian Correctional Service recognizes the significance of these different types of prisons in addressing the diverse needs of inmates and ensuring public safety. By providing appropriate custodial care, rehabilitation programs, and support, the NCoS aims to contribute to the overall well-being of inmates and facilitate their successful reintegration into society.

Nigerian Correctional Service Ranks

The Nigerian Correctional Service has several ranks in its organizational structure, which are:

Controller-General of Prisons

Controller-General of Prisons – The highest rank, responsible for overseeing all prisons and staff. This rank was formerly known as the director of prisons until 1992, when it was renamed to Controller-General of Prisons.

Deputy Controller-General

The Deputy Controller-General (DCG) assists the Controller-General in managing the day-to-day operations of the NPS. There are currently six Deputy Controllers-General.

Assistant Controller-General of Prisons

The Assistant Controller-General of Prisons is the next position in the Nigerian Prison Service. They are in charge of the so-called ‘zones.’ Nigeria is organized into eight zones, which make up the entire organization.

Controller of Prisons

The Controller of Prisons is in charge of all prisons within a state. There are 36 states in Nigeria, as well as a Controller for the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja.

Prison Warden

The Prison Warden oversees the daily management of a single prison facility. Wardens report to the Controller of Prisons within their state. There are several wardens within each prison.

Other ranks in the Nigerian Correctional Service are:

The organizational ranks within the NPS ensure clear lines of authority and responsibility. Lower-ranking officials report to and take orders from higher-ranking officials. This hierarchy helps the NPS function efficiently in its mission to reform inmates and return them to society as law-abiding citizens.

Who is the head of the Nigerian Correctional Service?

The head of the Nigeria Prison Service is the Controller-General of Prisons. He is appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Minister of Interior. The Controller-General is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Nigeria Prison Service. He is assisted in carrying out his duties by a Deputy Controller-General.

The Controller-General’s duties include:

The current Controller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Service is Haliru Nababa; he was appointed in 2021. Under his leadership, the Service aims to transform prisons into correctional facilities focused on reformation and rehabilitation of inmates. The goal is to make prisons places where people can acquire skills and turn their lives around to become useful citizens upon release.

List of all Prisons in Nigeria with their Location

There are 240 prisons in Nigeria, with an official capacity of about 50,000 people, which is its official capacity, yet many are overcrowded.

There are approximately 75,933 male convicts and approximately 1,751 female detainees. Here is a list of all the prisons across Nigeria’s 36 states.

Prisons In Abuja

Abia State Prisons

Adamawa State

Anambra

Akwa Ibom

Bauchi

Bayelsa

Benue

Borno

Cross River

Delta

Ebonyi

Enugu

Edo

Ekiti

Gombe

Imo

There are only 3 prisons in Imo state, namely;

Jigawa

Kaduna

Kano

Katsina

Kebbi

Kogi

Kwara

Lagos

There are only 5 prisons in Lagos state, namely;

Nasarawa

Niger

Ogun

Ondo

Osun

Oyo

There are 3 prisons in Oyo state, namely;

Plateau

Rivers

Sokoto

Taraba

Yobe

Zamfara

Challenges Facing the Nigeria Prison Service

The Nigeria Prison Service faces several significant challenges in fulfilling its mandate.

Overcrowding

Nigerian prisons are severely overcrowded, with many holding 3-5 times their intended capacity. This strains resources and facilitates the spread of disease.

Underfunding

The NCoS is underfunded, lacking adequate facilities, staff, healthcare, and rehabilitation programs for inmates. Officers are poorly trained and paid.

Lengthy pre-trial detention

Nearly 70% of inmates are pre-trial detainees, some waiting years for trial due to a slow justice system, contributing to overcrowding.

Corruption

There have been reports of corruption, including officers accepting bribes and subjecting inmates to harsh treatment. Reform is needed to address these issues.

Lack of rehabilitation

Rehabilitation and reintegration programs are limited. Most inmates leave prison without skills or support to prevent re-offending.

Poor living conditions

Inmates live in cramped, unsanitary conditions with little access to necessities like food, healthcare, bedding, or sanitation facilities. This violates human rights standards.

Lack of public support

The public generally lacks sympathy for inmates and does not support improving prison conditions or rehabilitation. Changing attitudes through education and awareness is important.

Radicalization

Some prisons have become breeding grounds for radicalization due to extreme overcrowding and the mingling of inmates with varying offenses. Separating and properly rehabilitating at-risk inmates is key.

The NPS faces significant challenges, but with political will, funding, training, infrastructure, healthcare, education, vocational programs, and public support, conditions could be greatly improved. Protecting human rights and rehabilitating offenders benefits both inmates and society.

Nigerian Correctional Service Contact Information

NCoS Headquarters:

Bill Clinton Drive, Airport Road Abuja.

Phone Number: +2347087086005

+2349060004598

+2348075050006

Email Address: info@corrections.gov.ng

complaintresponsedesk@corrections.gov.ng

Frequently Asked Questions about the Nigerian Prison Service

Here are some of the most common questions about the Nigerian Correctional Service:

How long is a year in Nigeria prison?

A year in a Nigerian prison is 8 months. Prison sentences are carried out as ordered by the courts.

What is the name of the biggest prison in Nigeria?

The largest prison in Nigeria is the Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison in Lagos State. It was established in 1955 and has a capacity of over 1,056 inmates.

Which is the first prison in Nigeria?

The first prison in Nigeria was Broad Street Prison, established in 1872.

How many prisons are there in Nigeria?

There are currently 240 prisons in Nigeria, including farm centers and borstal institutions (for young offenders). The NPS has a total capacity of about 50,000 inmates.

What programs are available for inmates?

The NPS offers rehabilitation and reform programs for inmates, including education, vocational training, counseling, and spiritual/religious programs. The goal is to reform and rehabilitate inmates to become productive members of society upon release.

Conclusion

So there you have it, an overview of the Nigeria Prison Service and its operations. Whether you’re a curious citizen, a criminal justice professional, or someone with a loved one currently serving time, understanding the inner workings of the prison system in your country is important. The NCoS certainly faces significant challenges in improving living conditions, reducing overcrowding, and rehabilitating offenders, but they seem committed to positive reforms and transparency. While life in a Nigerian prison is undoubtedly difficult, the goal of protecting public safety and reforming criminals is a noble one.

If we all work to strengthen respect for human rights, provide compassion for those who have made mistakes, and support a justice system focused on rehabilitation over retribution, the NCoS can better achieve this critical mission. Overall, Nigeria’s prison system is a complex topic but an important one, and hopefully, this overview has helped increase your knowledge and shape your perspective.

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