The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have commended ongoing reforms within Nigeria’s correctional system following an evaluation tour of custodial facilities under the Kano State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).
The state command’s Public Relations Officer, Musbahu Lawan Nasarawa, disclosed on Thursday that the delegation, which included officials of the NHRC, representatives of the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM), and UNODC personnel, inspected three custodial facilities—Medium Security Custodial Centres in Kurmawa and Janguza, as well as the Satellite Custodial Facility in Rano.
The assessment formed part of a nationwide exercise aimed at evaluating custodial conditions, promoting compliance with the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Mandela Rules), and strengthening collaboration among stakeholders in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
During the visit, the team inspected inmate accommodation areas, medical clinics, vocational and rehabilitation centres, welfare units, and other critical facilities. They also engaged correctional officers and inmates in interactive sessions to assess service delivery and welfare standards.
At the end of the exercise, the delegation expressed satisfaction with the quality of infrastructure, sanitation, healthcare services, security arrangements, and rehabilitation programmes across the facilities visited. The team also acknowledged the Federal Government’s commitment to improving inmate welfare and advancing correctional reforms nationwide.
The delegation, however, recommended improvements in inmate classification systems, greater adherence to international best practices, and expanded access to justice and rehabilitation opportunities for inmates.
Speaking during the visit, Controller of Corrections, Kano State Command, CC Yusuf Ahmed Lakpene, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to humane custody, rehabilitation, reformation, and reintegration of inmates in line with the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, and international standards.
He noted that the Service remains focused on implementing policies and programmes that protect the dignity and fundamental rights of inmates while maintaining public safety and security.
Lakpene also appreciated the NHRC and UNODC for their continued partnership in strengthening correctional administration and promoting human rights within custodial facilities.
The delegation urged the Service to sustain ongoing efforts in inmate welfare, healthcare delivery, rehabilitation programmes, and effective classification systems, noting that the progress recorded reflects the impact of Nigeria’s broader correctional transformation agenda.
