Yola, Nigeria – Female inmates make up only 2% of the population in Nigeria's custodial centers and while this is a small percentage, it does not diminish the importance of addressing their specific needs – including empowering them with skills to reduce recidivism and promoting their rehabilitation and reintegration. In a profound commitment to helping the inmates acquire marketable skills that can lead to stable employment after their release, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) officially handed over the newly constructed female vocational center and the renovated male vocational center, together with the accompanying tools and equipment to the Nigerian Correctional Service, Yola New Medium Security Custodial Centre. This landmark occasion marks not just the opening of doors to new facilities, but also renewed hope and opportunities for inmates striving to rebuild their lives.
The newly constructed vocational center for female inmates and the refurbished vocational centre for male inmates symbolize a collective belief in rehabilitation and reintegration as vital steps toward reducing reoffending and creating positive change. With access to tools and resources for carpentry, tailoring, and traditional hat-making, the inmates are given the means to develop practical skills that can support them beyond the custodial center walls.
Speaking at the ceremony, the UNODC Representative, represented by Project Coordinator, Prison and Penal Reform, UNODC, Muchaneta Mundopa, emphasized that “This handover ceremony marks not just the transfer of facilities, but the beginning of a transformative journey aimed at rehabilitation, reintegration, and the restoration of dignity for those who have faced the challenges of incarceration.”
The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, represented by the Senior Special Advisor to the Minister on Corrections, Barr. Babatunde Ogundare, lauded UNODC for the giant strides and stressed the commitment of the Minister to strengthen rehabilitation and reintegration efforts, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.
Also at the ceremony, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Reformatory Institutions, Hon. Chinedu Ogah OON remarked “Reformation is a joint venture. I commend the UNODC for this laudable initiative and urge other individuals and organizations to learn from UNODC and complement this administration’s efforts.”
The Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa, FICMC, MFR, Mni, represented by the Controller of Corrections for Adamawa State, Controller Garba Tsalha expressed their gratitude to UNODC for its support to Nigeria in fostering rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates. He remarked, “While we look forward to expanding this project to other custodial centers, I want to assure UNODC that this vocational center will be managed judiciously.”
For inmates at the Yola New Medium Security Custodial Centre, the centers signify more than just training facilities; they symbolize hope and a reminder that while behind bars, they are a part of our society and how they are treated impacts us all. The female inmates, in particular, expressed excitement and a sense of hope, with one inmate sharing, “With these skills, I feel empowered to one day support myself and my family. It’s not just learning a trade; it’s a step toward independence and a chance to rebuild.”
The centers will focus on equipping inmates with skills in carpentry, tailoring, and traditional hat-making – trades with strong cultural roots and demand in local markets. By empowering inmates to cultivate these skills, UNODC is helping to lay a foundation for financial independence, self-worth, and societal reintegration upon release. UNODC will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to promote the human rights of inmates and address their unique needs in line with the Nelson Mandela Rules. With this, we aim to create an environment that supports rehabilitation and fosters equality for all inmates, thus contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality.
We thank the Nigerian Correctional Service for the partnership, including the Minister of Interior, the House of Representatives Committee on Reformatory Institutions, and civil society organizations like the Legend Care Foundation. A special thanks to the United States Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, especially the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), for their generous funding, which was instrumental in making the construction, renovation and equipping of these vocational centers a reality – thereby, contributing to promoting correctional reforms in Nigeria.
