Nigeria Commemorates International Justice Day Amid Rising Concerns Over Congested Correctional Centres, Delayed Trials
As Nigeria joins the global community to commemorate the 2026 World Day for International Justice, stakeholders have called for renewed commitment to justice sector reforms, warning that overcrowded correctional centres and prolonged court cases continue to undermine the country’s criminal justice system.
The World Day for International Justice, also known as the Day of International Criminal Justice, is observed annually on July 17 to promote the rule of law, ensuring that justice is delivered fairly, efficiently, and without unnecessary delay.
However, the celebration comes amid growing concerns over the state of Nigeria’s correctional facilities, many of which remain overcrowded with inmates awaiting trial.
Speaking recently on the development, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has said that between 30 and 50 per cent of offences committed by inmates in correctional centres across Africa do not warrant incarceration.
The minister then disclosed that 93 per cent of inmates in Nigeria’s correctional centres are state offenders, while only seven per cent are federal offenders, noting that a significant number of the state offenders were held for minor infractions.
Nigeria Commemorates International Justice Day Amid Rising Concerns Over Congested Correctional Centres, Delayed Trials
Byadmin
Jul 17, 2026