The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the federal government to improve conditions in the country’s prisons.
In a statement released to mark Nelson Mandela Day, the NHRC Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu, bemoaned the current conditions in Nigerian prisons.
He described the condition under which inmates are kept as alarming, with many co-habiting in overcrowded wards, many inmates on the awaiting trial list, and majority of the prisons lacking insufficient basic facilities like clean water and healthcare centres.
Ojukwu highlighted that Mandela’s message encourages everyone to take responsibility for addressing the world’s injustices.
He stated that many people are held in jail for years before their trial, simply because they cannot afford legal help, while wealthier inmates often get better legal support.
This, the NHRC boss admitted, creates an unfair system.
“The NHRC is calling on the federal government, legal system, businesses, and community organizations to focus on making real improvements in prisons.
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“This includes upgrading living conditions, finding alternatives to keeping people in jail before their trial, ensuring timely court processes, and making sure the rights of all inmates are respected,” he demanded.
Ojukwu emphasized the need to address the reasons why people end up in prison, such as poverty and lack of job opportunities.
He believes that by working on these issues, Nigeria can build a society that respects and values the dignity of all people, no matter their financial situation.
He reminded everyone that Nelson Mandela Day is a call for action, celebrating the idea that each person can make a difference in the world.
Currently, there are about 81,746 inmates in Nigerian prisons, including those awaiting trial, spread across 256 facilities nationwide.
Nelson Mandela Day, celebrated on July 18 each year, was established by the United Nations in 2009 to honour Mandela’s birthday and encourage people to work towards social justice.
