An estimated 26,000 children are held in correctional facilities across Nigeria every year, making up nearly 30 per cent of the inmate population, a trend authorities now admit is unlawful and alarming.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, described the situation as a “gross violation of child protection laws” during the launch of a national assessment report on children deprived of liberty in Abuja.
The report, developed through inter-agency collaboration, exposes a justice system where thousands of minors are detained — many without trial, legal representation, or access to basic rights.
Despite protections under the Child Rights Act, which prohibits detaining children alongside adults, implementation remains inconsistent nationwide.
Children trapped in a broken system
For many minors, detention replaces education and childhood.
Efosa, a 14-year-old boy in Edo State, spent over a year in custody for alleged theft without a lawyer or court hearing. His case mirrors thousands of others stuck in prolonged detention.
Nigeria’s 256 correctional facilities, designed for about 50,000 inmates, now house more than 81,000 pushing occupancy beyond 136 per cent, according to global prison data.
In these overcrowded conditions, children often awaiting trial face severe risks.
Dr Simi Abah, a paediatric consultant, warned that minors in custody are exposed to abuse, trauma, and diseases such as tuberculosis, cholera, and typhoid.
According to UNICEF, 74 per cent of detained children in Nigeria are still awaiting trial, sometimes for years.
“These children are being denied justice, education, healthcare, and dignity,” said UNICEF’s representative, Nkiru Maduechesi.
Reforms promised as outrage grows
Tunji-Ojo pledged sweeping reforms, including retraining correctional officers and expanding non-custodial sentencing such as diversion and restorative justice.
In a related move, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, introduced new prosecution and legal aid guidelines for children in conflict with the law.
The policies — developed with UNICEF, the Legal Aid Council, and the Nigerian Bar Association — aim to promote child-sensitive justice and close enforcement gaps.
Advocates push for urgent change
Civil society groups say the problem goes beyond policy to weak enforcement, poor legal access, and systemic failures.
Lawyer Okwudiri Thompson noted that not all states have fully adopted the Child Rights Act, leaving children vulnerable to arbitrary arrests and prolonged detention.
Human rights lawyer Deji Ajare added that a “detention-first” culture persists, with limited use of non-custodial options for minor offences.
He called for immediate measures, including:
- Mandatory parental notification after arrest
- Weekly audits of detained children
- Activation of Family Courts
- Presumption of non-custodial measures
- Some progress, but gaps remain
The Nigerian Correctional Service says reforms are underway, including expanding Borstal institutions from three to seven nationwide to improve rehabilitation for young offenders.
The agency insists juveniles are separated from adult inmates and provided education, vocational training, and counselling.
However, it admits that many minors are still held in facilities outside its control, particularly state-run remand homes.
A system at a crossroads
For organisations like Restorative Justice for Africa (REJA), the solution lies in rehabilitation, not punishment.
After intervention, Efosa was released and is now learning barbering skills, while another boy, Adam, has restarted his life following legal support and reconciliation efforts.
“These children are victims of poverty and a failing system,” said REJA coordinator Osahenrunmwen Ehinor. “They need guidance, not prison.”
As Nigeria confronts this growing crisis, stakeholders warn that without urgent reforms and strict enforcement of child protection laws, thousands more children risk losing their futures behind bars.
