The Nigeria Chapter of the International Human Rights Commission – Relief Fund Trust (IHRC-RFT) has called for urgent reform of the country’s correctional system to focus more on rehabilitation rather than punishment alone.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Country Director, Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, the commission stressed the need to reshape the justice system in line with the principles of fairness and the protection of human rights.
“Punishment alone is not enough to prevent offenders from returning to crime after serving their jail terms,” he stated.
According to him, many former inmates face rejection from society following their release.
He explained that they are often shunned, denied employment opportunities, and continually treated as criminals.
“This rejection and discrimination push many of them into frustration and hopelessness, which sometimes leads them back to crime,” he said.
The IHRC-RFT Director added that correctional centres should go beyond merely keeping individuals in custody and become genuine rehabilitation centres.
“It is necessary to teach them skills, provide education, life skills and counselling while they are serving their sentences, so they can return to society with competence and dignity,” he said.
He also noted that a sustainable justice system must combine punishment with rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
“True justice is not punishment alone; it must include reform, change and giving a second chance,” he said.
He further pointed out that addressing the root causes of crime, such as poverty, lack of education and unemployment, remains the most effective solution to reducing repeat offences.
