NBA to Partner with Correctional Service, Offer Free Legal Aid and Grants to Inmates

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has announced plans to collaborate with the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to identify inmates without legal representation and provide them with pro bono services.

NBA President, Afam Osigwe, made this known on Friday during a visit to the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje, Abuja. He also disclosed that the association would establish a grant scheme to support individuals released from correctional facilities, helping them reintegrate into society and become self-reliant.

“I have taken a decision to make a proposal during our National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Benin next week for the NBA to donate a handsome amount into a fund,” Osigwe said.

“The NBA will be giving a certain amount as a grant for free to persons who are being released from prison to help them start off life or start up a business. One of the problems people face is that when they leave correctional centres, they go into a society unprepared and without any money. As soon as we get that approval, we will put that fund in place,” he added.

Osigwe further announced that the NBA would make direct financial contributions to the Nigerian Correctional Service to support ongoing skill acquisition and educational programmes within correctional centres.

“I have seen the skill acquisition work and educational programmes going on here; the NBA will also be putting in money to help acquire more materials,” he said.

Expressing satisfaction with the conditions at the Kuje facility, Osigwe said his visit had positively changed his perception of correctional centres.

“I am impressed. This changed my perception and my understanding of how correctional centres work. The neatness of the environment and the humane treatment of inmates wowed me, and I am glad I came,” he stated.

The NBA president emphasized that the initiative aims to help ex-inmates live reformed, productive lives after release.

“All of us have a duty to ensure that when they return to society, they are reintegrated and can find something meaningful to do, so that whatever reason brought them here will not bring them back,” he said.

Osigwe also highlighted the importance of societal acceptance in reducing repeat offenses.

“It is a duty we owe them not to remind them of their past or discriminate against them in employment or social life. People make mistakes, but they should be able to move on without being held back,” he noted.

Addressing the inmates, Osigwe urged them to embrace personal reform and make positive use of their time in custody.

“Whatever knowledge and lessons you’ve learnt here, put them to good use. If you did what brought you here, make a commitment never to return to that life again. Be a better instrument for change in society,” he advised.

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