Expert Harps on Adequate post Prison Support Programmes

Expert Harps on Adequate Post Prison Support Programmes

After the plan to decongest correctional facilities in Nigeria, led by the Minister of Interior, Hon. Bunmi Tunji Ojo, various groups and experts have lauded the initiative, as it has been established that it will help the system.

In a compelling address, Dr. Nathaniel Oyinloye, an esteemed expert and the visionary behind the Hospital and Prison Welfare Initiative (HPWI), has advocated for a significant enhancement of post-prison support programs. His noteworthy emphasis is specifically directed towards the Minister of Interior, Hon. Bunmi Tunji Ojo, urging a closer examination and restructuring of existing systems. Dr. Oyinloye asserts that a more holistic and proactive approach is essential to address the multifaceted challenges faced by individuals transitioning from incarceration to mainstream society.

The article titled “Releasing 4,068 inmates without adequate post-prison support in Nigeria could lead to several mistakes” reads:

I am not making generalizations about the experiences of former inmates in Nigeria or any other country, as each individual’s experience is unique and can be influenced by a variety of factors.

However, there are several challenges that many former inmates in Nigeria may face upon their release, which can make it difficult for them to reintegrate into society and lead productive lives. These challenges can include:

1. Insufficient Rehabilitation Programs:
   Without proper post-prison support, many inmates may lack access to rehabilitation programs, hindering their ability to reintegrate into society and potentially increasing the likelihood of reoffending.
2. Increased Risk of Recidivism: Without proper support, released prisoners may struggle to reintegrate into society, increasing the risk of relapse into criminal behavior.

The Nigerian criminal justice system has been criticized for its high rate of recidivism, which can make it difficult for former inmates to break the cycle of incarceration and reintegrate into society.

3. Unemployment Challenges: Insufficient support for employment opportunities may lead to high unemployment rates among released inmates, making them more susceptible to resorting to illegal activities for survival.
4. Strain on Community Resources:
   Releasing a large number of individuals without adequate support infrastructure could strain community resources, including social services, employment agencies, and housing assistance.
5. Potential for Social Unrest:
   If released inmates face challenges in adapting to civilian life, there is a risk of social unrest, as frustrated individuals may engage in criminal activities out of desperation.
6. Public Safety Concerns: Inadequate support increases the likelihood of released individuals committing new offenses, posing a threat to public safety and community well-being.
7. Impact on Families: Insufficient post-prison support can negatively affect the families of released inmates, as they may struggle to provide the necessary assistance and support for their loved ones.
8. Health and Substance Abuse Issues:
   Released prisoners may face challenges in accessing healthcare and rehabilitation services, leading to potential health issues and a higher risk of substance abuse relapse.
9. Educational Barriers:
   Limited educational opportunities for released inmates can hinder their ability to acquire new skills and qualifications, making it harder for them to secure lawful employment.
10. Psychological Strain: Reintegration without proper support may lead to psychological strain on released prisoners, exacerbating mental health issues and increasing the likelihood of negative outcomes.
11. Undermined Criminal Justice Goals:
    Releasing inmates without a robust support system undermines the goals of the criminal justice system, as the intended rehabilitation and reintegration efforts may be compromised, perpetuating a cycle of crime and incarceration.
12. Limited Employment Opportunities: A lack of support in finding employment could contribute to high unemployment rates among released inmates, making it challenging for them to sustain a lawful lifestyle and potentially pushing some back into criminal activities.
13. Inadequate Mental Health Services: Released inmates may require mental health support, and without proper resources, their mental health needs may be overlooked, impacting their overall well-being and societal reintegration.
14. Risk of Recidivism: Releasing a large number of inmates without sufficient support systems may increase the risk of recidivism, as individuals struggle to adjust to life outside of prison and may resort to criminal activities due to a lack of alternatives.
15. Stigma:
    Former inmates may face stigma and discrimination from others in their communities, which can make it difficult for them to find employment, housing, or other support.
16. Lack of resources:
    Many former inmates in Nigeria may lack the resources and support they need to rebuild their lives after their release. This can include access to education, job training, or mental health services.
17. Poverty:
    Many former inmates in Nigeria come from low-income backgrounds and may struggle to find stable employment or support themselves financially, which can make it difficult for them to stay out of trouble.

Overall, the challenges that many former inmates in Nigeria face are complex and multifaceted. Addressing these challenges will require a multi-faceted approach that involves improving the criminal justice system, providing support and resources to former inmates, and addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality.

Addressing these issues is crucial for a successful reintegration process and reducing the likelihood of released individuals returning to a life of crime.

Reasons why Nigeria prison minister is unable to deliver an effective correctional services in 4 years

1. Limited Budgetary Allocation: Inadequate financial resources allocated to the correctional services ministry may hinder the implementation of effective rehabilitation programs, staff training, and facility improvements.
2. Infrastructure Challenges:
   Aging and overcrowded prison facilities may pose significant obstacles to delivering effective correctional services, as they may lack the necessary resources for rehabilitation and inmate education.
3. Staffing Issues:
   Insufficient and undertrained correctional staff can impede the delivery of effective services, including rehabilitation efforts, security measures, and overall inmate management.
4. Legal and Policy Constraints:
   A lack of comprehensive legal frameworks and policies addressing rehabilitation and reintegration may limit the minister’s ability to implement effective correctional strategies within the existing legal framework.
5. Social Stigma and Public Perception:
   Negative public attitudes towards ex-convicts and limited community support may create challenges in the successful reintegration of released inmates, impacting the overall effectiveness of correctional services.
6. Corruption and Mismanagement:
   If there are issues of corruption or mismanagement within the correctional services ministry, it can compromise the implementation of effective programs and initiatives, leading to a failure in achieving correctional goals.
7. Lack of Collaboration: Ineffective collaboration with other relevant government agencies, NGOs, and community stakeholders can hinder the holistic approach required for successful rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into society.

Dr. Nathaniel Oyinloye
Founder Hospital and Prison Welfare Initiative (HPWI) – Nigeria, South Africa, USA & Hospital and Prison Action Network (HPAN) UK