PRISONS ACT
Act · Security
Policy date: 2019-01-01
An Act establishes the legal framework for the administration of Nigerian prisons. It governs the custody, welfare, and discipline of inmates and manages prison staff. This ensures effective management and rehabilitation of prisoners.
PRISONS ACT
What Is This Policy?
The original legislation governing Nigerian prisons, now superseded by the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019 which renamed the service and introduced a rehabilitation-centred approach.
Who Does It Target?
Nigerian Prisons Service (now Correctional Service) Inmates in correctional facilities Courts committing persons to custody Nigerian Correctional Service (successor body)
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Govern the establishment, administration, and management of Nigerian prisons and the custody, welfare, and discipline of inmates.
Key Features
Prison Establishment: Provided the legal basis for the operation of prisons in Nigeria. Inmate Rules: Prescribed rules for the custody, treatment, and discipline of inmates. Staff Management: Governed the Prisons Service staff establishment and conditions of service. Release: Provided for the release of inmates upon completion of sentence or on parole.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Superseded by Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019 Coverage: Historical Beneficiaries: Historical — justice system Funding: Federal Government
How to Access
Refer to Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019 for current correctional law Engage Nigerian Correctional Service for current operational matters Application method: Engage NCoS at https://www.ncs.gov.ng
Important Terms
The Prisons Act is superseded — all references should now be to the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019 'Prison' has been renamed 'Correctional Centre' under the new Act Some procedural provisions of the old Act may still apply pending full implementation of new Act
Official Resources
Website: https://www.ncs.gov.ng Contact: Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS)
Legal Framework
Originally enacted under the Prisons Act (Cap P29 LFN 2004). Now superseded by the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019, which provides the operative legal framework for correctional facilities. Complementary legislation includes the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, the Constitution (Section 35 on personal liberty), and the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules).