ABUJA — The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Community Court of Justice has issued a landmark ruling ordering the Nigerian Federal Government to take immediate and concrete steps to decongest the nation’s severely overcrowded correctional facilities within a period of six months.
The court, in its judgment, held that the deplorable conditions in Nigerian prisons — characterised by dangerous overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and prolonged pre-trial detention — constitute a gross violation of the fundamental human rights of inmates as guaranteed under regional and international human rights frameworks.
The ruling directs the Federal Government to implement measurable reforms, including accelerating the trial of awaiting-trial inmates who make up a significant proportion of Nigeria’s prison population, and improving overall conditions across correctional centres nationwide.
Human rights groups have hailed the judgment as a watershed moment for prison reform in Nigeria, while the Federal Government is yet to issue an official response. Compliance within the stipulated six-month window will be closely monitored by rights advocates and the court.
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