The Nigerian Prison service has been renamed The Nigerian
Prisons and Correctional Service following the third reading and passage of A
Bill for an act to repeal the prison Act Cap. P29 Laws of the Federation of
Nigeria to make comprehensive provisions for the administration of Prisons in
Nigeria and for related purposes.
According to the bill passed by the Nigerian Senate, the name
change is to underscore the humane aspect of the reform focus of the prisons
administration and to conform to the provisions in the international
instrument.
In the same vein, the Senate also approved the recommendation
that the word “Hard Labour” be replaced with “Prison Labour” citing that the
former is an inheritance from the colonial masters. The bill as well empowers
the State Comptroller of Prisons to reject additional prisoners where the
prison in question is filled to capacity.
The Senate President, David Mark urged prison officials to ensure that prisoners do not become more hardened after serving their sentences rather they should moulded to become better citizens. This is a step in the right direction and it is hoped that these reforms will make the Nigerian Prison system more of a place for transformation rather than suffering.
Source: Bella Naija
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