UNODC has been actively involved in Nigeria for the last thirty years, collaborating with the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) on several projects. The collaboration with the NCoS includes providing technical support to address contagious diseases, drug use, and health services in Nigerian prisons. Recently, UNODC has expanded its partnership with the NCoS to tackle other challenges faced by the Correctional Service, such as overcrowding and limited infrastructure to support the social reintegration and rehabilitation of inmates.
Our work
Our work on addressing prison challenges is consistent with the UN system-wide common position on incarceration, which aims to shift policies towards prevention and alternatives to incarceration, strengthen prison management and improve prison conditions, and advance the rehabilitation and social reintegration of offenders.
UNODC's technical assistance to the Nigerian Correctional Service is implemented within the framework of its Strategic Vision for Nigeria 2030, which inter-alia focuses on enhancing the welfare, rehabilitation, and successful reintegration of prisoners.
Our partners
UNODC collaborates with various stakeholders in the area of prison and penal reform. These include the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), public oversight bodies responsible for conducting external inspections of NCoS facilities such as the National Human Rights Commission, the courts, prosecution service, and legal aid providers, as well as the communities and families to which detainees and prisoners are destined to return after release. Additionally, civil society organizations actively engaged in prison reform and access to justice are key partners for UNODC in this area.
Our projects
