Overcrowding and health concerns in Nigerian Prisons

For a considerable period, the conventional criminal justice system has steadfastly adhered to the belief that ensuring public safety primarily revolves around the concept of being ‘tough on crime.’ This approach involves the implementation of an effective incarceration system. According to this perspective, it was widely accepted among numerous analysts and the public that the punitive elements inherent in imprisonment would not only act as a deterrent against future criminal activities but also hold offenders accountable for their decisions to engage in criminal behaviour (Downen, 2011).

In recent years, one of the most pressing challenges faced by the Nigerian Prisons is the issue of overcrowding. This problem has manifested in various ways, including inadequate food provisions, deteriorating infrastructure, and unsanitary living conditions that significantly impact the health and well-being of inmates. The prison system is one of the components of the Criminal Justice system responsible for the custody and rehabilitation of individuals who have either been legally convicted of committing a crime or are detained on suspicion of violating state laws, with the aim of punishment and correction. Punishment, in this context, refers to any measures put in place to dissuade an individual from engaging in actions that are considered deviant or against the law and involve things they hold in high regard (Barlow & Kauzlarich, 2010). It is undeniable that Nigerian prisons are grappling with severe overpopulation, accommodating both sentenced individuals and those awaiting trial, which poses a significant obstacle to achieving the intended objectives of the prison system. Each prison has a designated capacity for inmates, but recent years have witnessed a disturbing trend of overcrowding in Nigerian prisons, a topic that has gained widespread attention among the Nigerian public and researchers alike (Oyeyipo et al., 2021).Top of Form

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Statistics reveal that the majority of inmates in prison are those who are awaiting trial, with over 60 percent of these individuals having languished in Nigeria’s prisons without their cases being resolved or having served more time than their potential sentences. A glaring example of this injustice occurred on February 24, 2020, when a woman spent three years in a severely overcrowded prison courtyard in Suleja, Nigeria, for an offense that carried a maximum two-year imprisonment term. The prison system in Nigeria is grappling with an unprecedented influx of inmates, resulting in perilous levels of overcrowding. Overcrowding, along with its associated problems, has intensified over the past three decades, leading to a deterioration of prison conditions. It’s important to note that the term “overcrowding” here refers not only to the numerical ratio of inmates to the rated prison capacity but also to the extent to which a prison or correctional system detains more individuals than its facilities can humanely accommodate. A 2009 Amnesty International report highlighted that a staggering 65 percent of Nigeria’s over 47,000 prisoners had never been convicted of a crime, with some individuals waiting up to a decade for their trials to conclude. The Nigerian Correctional Service Annual Report for 2016 indicated that 62.6 percent (89,404) of the total 142,848 inmates were awaiting trial, and a similar trend was observed in the 2015 report, with 63 percent of inmates awaiting trial. These statistics underscore the severe overcrowding issue in Nigerian prisons.

Prisons are intended not only to punish wrongdoing, as prescribed by society’s laws, but also to correct and rehabilitate offenders for their eventual reintegration into society. In Nigeria, however, the state of its prisons is in dire need of reform. Prison conditions have led to outbreaks of infectious diseases and mental health problems among inmates. Hygiene standards are inadequately maintained, and access to nutritious food is not guaranteed, both of which have adverse effects on the health of inmates (Morag MacDonald, 2018). The problem of overcrowding in Nigerian prisons mirrors a global challenge, as congested prisons create hazardous conditions that jeopardize the physical and mental well-being of inmates (UNODC, 2013). In some parts of the world, overcrowding is referred to as “congestion,” and it stands as the primary reason many states fail to meet the minimum standards of decency and humanity in their prison systems (Rob Allen, 2010).

Prison overcrowding can have a wide range of negative effects, including significant health implications for both inmates and prison staff. Overcrowded prisons often lead to increased tension, conflicts, and violence among inmates. The close quarters and competition for limited resources can create a hostile and volatile environment. Increased violence can result in physical injuries, trauma, and psychological distress for inmates. Staff members are also at risk of physical harm, contributing to stress and potential mental health issues among prison personnel. Overcrowded prisons may struggle to provide adequate healthcare services to all inmates. Limited medical staff, resources, and space can impede inmates’ access to necessary medical care. Inmates with chronic illnesses, infectious diseases, or mental health conditions may not receive proper treatment or timely medical attention. This can lead to the exacerbation of health issues, higher mortality rates, and the potential spread of contagious diseases within the prison population. Overcrowding often results in substandard living conditions, including inadequate sanitation facilities and hygiene practices. Insufficient access to showers, clean water, and toilets can be common problems. Poor sanitation and hygiene can lead to the spread of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, hepatitis, and skin infections. Inmates are at increased risk of illness due to these unsanitary conditions. The stress of overcrowding limited personal space, and reduced access to programs or recreational activities can take a toll on inmates’ mental health. Crowded and noisy environments can exacerbate pre-existing mental health conditions or contribute to the development of new ones. The stress of overcrowding limited personal space, and reduced access to programs or recreational activities can take a toll on inmates’ mental health. Crowded and noisy environments can exacerbate pre-existing mental health conditions or contribute to the development of new ones.Top of Form

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Conclusion and Recommendation

As a preamble to the discussion, it is incumbent upon the Government to take into account various factors, such as the rise in population and the surge in crime rates, in a manner that maintains a proportional balance with prison capacity. When considering population, it should be carefully juxtaposed against the crime rate and the number of offenders in a particular region. Examining the prison capacity and the total number of individuals incarcerated from 2011 to 2016 reveals that some states retained the same prison capacity throughout this period, despite the well-documented increases in both population and crime rates. This becomes evident when observing the growth in the total incarcerated population over the six-year span. The primary purpose of a prison is to serve as a correctional facility where offenders can be rehabilitated and prepared for reintegration into society upon completion of their sentences. However, achieving this rehabilitative goal becomes increasingly challenging and impractical due to the issue of recidivism. The overcrowding of prisons and the resultant congestion make it difficult for offenders to undergo effective rehabilitation within the prison system. Instead of fostering an environment for reflection and personal growth, prison life often devolves into a social experience where inmates engage in recreational activities. To address these challenges and mitigate the problem of re-offending, it is imperative to develop comprehensive reform policies that incorporate plans to expand prison capacity in line with population growth and the trend of total incarcerations for each state. This approach should supersede arbitrary increases in prison capacity.Top of FormBottom of Form

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Oyeyipo E., Joseph, A., Festus, F., Arisukwu O., Rasak, B., Oyeyipo O., Oyekola I., &        Olorunmola,    J.  (2021). Prison overcrowding trend in Nigeria and policy implications on   health, Cogent             Social Sciences, 7(1), 1-11.

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