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Prison Decongestion and The Role of Social Work in Nigeria’s Criminal Justice Reform
Subject area: Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities · Area of research: Social Work
Abstract
Prison congestion has emerged as one of the most persistent challenges undermining Nigeria’s criminal justice system, with correctional facilities operating far beyond their intended capacity. The majority of inmates are awaiting-trial detainees, a situation caused by systemic inefficiencies, judicial delays, and over-reliance on custodial sentencing. These conditions not only violate human rights but also compromise the rehabilitative mandate of prisons, thereby fueling cycles of recidivism and insecurity. This study examined prison decongestion in Nigeria and the critical role of social work in advancing criminal justice reform. Anchored on the Human Rights Theory, the study highlighted how social workers contribute to reducing congestion through advocacy for non-custodial sentencing, provision of psychosocial support, rehabilitation, and reintegration programs. It also explored the intersection of social work and human rights in aligning Nigeria’s correctional practices with international standards such as the Nelson Mandela Rules. The study revealed that prison decongestion cannot be achieved through infrastructural expansion alone but requires a comprehensive strategy that integrates judicial efficiency, social work interventions, and adherence to human rights principles. The study concludes that incorporating social workers into all stages of the criminal justice process is essential for building a humane, rehabilitative, and effective correctional system in Nigeria. The study recommended that social workers should be fully integrated into Nigeria’s criminal justice system as probation officers, counselors, and reintegration specialists. This will ensure that rehabilitation, advocacy, and community reintegration are prioritized alongside legal processes.
Keywords
prison decongestion, social work, criminal justice reform and human rights
How to cite this paper
@article{1723098,
author = {Dr. Emejuru, Dr. Aaron Anyanabia},
title = {Prison Decongestion and The Role of Social Work in Nigeria’s Criminal Justice Reform},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2025},
volume = {8},
number = {9},
pages = {2089-2098},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1723098.pdf},
abstract = {Prison congestion has emerged as one of the most persistent challenges undermining Nigeria’s criminal justice system, with correctional facilities operating far beyond their intended capacity. The majority of inmates are awaiting-trial detainees, a situation caused by systemic inefficiencies, judicial delays, and over-reliance on custodial sentencing. These conditions not only violate human rights but also compromise the rehabilitative mandate of prisons, thereby fueling cycles of recidivism and insecurity. This study examined prison decongestion in Nigeria and the critical role of social work in advancing criminal justice reform. Anchored on the Human Rights Theory, the study highlighted how social workers contribute to reducing congestion through advocacy for non-custodial sentencing, provision of psychosocial support, rehabilitation, and reintegration programs. It also explored the intersection of social work and human rights in aligning Nigeria’s correctional practices with international standards such as the Nelson Mandela Rules. The study revealed that prison decongestion cannot be achieved through infrastructural expansion alone but requires a comprehensive strategy that integrates judicial efficiency, social work interventions, and adherence to human rights principles. The study concludes that incorporating social workers into all stages of the criminal justice process is essential for building a humane, rehabilitative, and effective correctional system in Nigeria. The study recommended that social workers should be fully integrated into Nigeria’s criminal justice system as probation officers, counselors, and reintegration specialists. This will ensure that rehabilitation, advocacy, and community reintegration are prioritized alongside legal processes.},
keywords = {prison decongestion, social work, criminal justice reform and human rights},
month = {March},
}