Why was the parole system in Nigeria described as “not fit for purpose” by the CLEEN Foundation? What are the challenges hindering effective reformatory justice and prison decongestion in Africa’s most populated country? What could be done to reverse these odds?
These and many more were discussed at the presentation of a policy brief titled “A Parole System Not Fit for Purpose,” by the foundation in Lagos.
Programme Director, Salaudeen Hashim, who painted a vivid picture of these realities, outlined the critical gaps and challenges within the existing legal framework.
He emphasized the system’s failure to meet its intended objectives, identified multidimensional issues impeding the effective implementation of the parole system in the country including the non operationalisation of the framework by most of the states.
According to him, many states have not adhered to the legal requirements for establishing and operating parole boards. “There is a significant lack of financial resources allocated to the parole system, hindering its functionality,” he said, adding that weak political support and inadequate oversight have further compounded the system’s inefficiency.
Hashim also noted that the parole boards, where they existed, often do not meet, and in some cases, their chairpersons were resident outside the state or the country.
“Additionally, there is often no clear framework for how the boards should operate, and they frequently conflict with the existing Prerogative of Mercy committees, which gives governors absolute powers.
“The only thing that is working is the fact that we have it in our laws. But there is no operationalisation of that law in any space,” Hashim stressed.
He highlighted the issue of eligibility, pointing out that politically exposed persons were more likely to benefit from parole, while those with lower social or economic status do not have access.
Hashim emphasized the benefits of a well-functioning parole system, including reducing pressure on custodial facilities, decreasing the frequency of jailbreaks, alleviating grievances among inmates, restoring dignity to prisoners, and reducing the strain on the national budget. He also stressed the importance of community involvement in the parole process, as it provides a sense of ownership and participation in the reintegration of inmates.
Mrs. Blessing Abiri, representing the Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, added that the Foundation’s goal is to make parole functional in Nigeria. She urged the media to support this cause by highlighting the issues and advocating for necessary reforms.
“The issue of parole is to see that it is functioning in Nigeria,” Abiri said. “We need to give voice to these new innovations so that, at the end of the day, we are decongesting the correctional centers and giving opportunities for inmates who have demonstrated good behavior to be reintegrated back into society.”
Abiri called for inter-agency collaboration and urged policymakers at both the state and federal levels to address the identified issues and improve the administration of criminal justice in Nigeria. The policy brief presentation aimed to spark discussions and drive actions toward reforming the parole system, ensuring it becomes an effective and fair mechanism within Nigeria’s criminal justice system.