- 26,000 Children in Custody: About 26,000 children are being held in custodial centers in Nigeria, violating laws requiring their placement in borstal institutions.
- Government Concern: The Federal Government has expressed concern over the issue and pledged to take urgent action.
- Reforms Announced: Interior Minister Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has announced key reforms, including the establishment of a Nigerian Paramilitary Academy, non-custodial measures, and inter-ministerial collaboration.
- Accountability: The government will investigate breaches and hold institutions accountable for violating child protection laws.
- 2027 Target: The government aims to achieve tangible reforms by 2027.
The Federal Government of Nigeria is taking steps to address the alarming number of children in custodial centers, approximately 26,000, which is a clear violation of laws requiring their placement in borstal institutions. Interior Minister Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo emphasized the need for urgent action and penalties to address these gaps .
To reform Nigeria’s justice system, the government has announced key reforms, including:
- Establishment of a Nigerian Paramilitary Academy: to train officers in empathy and correctional principles
- Non-custodial measures: for non-violent offenders to reduce pre-trial detentions
- Inter-ministerial collaboration: to tackle juvenile detention and involve state governments in correctional services
The government aims to investigate breaches, hold institutions accountable for violating child protection laws, and achieve tangible reforms by 2027.
