In a significant move to overhaul Nigeria's correctional system, the Federal Government has thrown its weight behind a new initiative focused on mental health challenges within prisons. This collaborative effort, driven by civil society organisations and private sector partners, aims to reshape inmate rehabilitation and reintegration.
A New Model for Rehabilitation
The programme, dubbed Reform360: Reinvent, Reconnect, Reintegrate, is spearheaded by the Vcare for Development Foundation in partnership with the Centre for Legal Support and Inmate Rehabilitation (CELSIR) and the Nigerian Correctional Service. Financial backing for the initiative comes from Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited.
The initiative was officially launched at the Male Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ikoyi, Lagos. As a cornerstone of the programme, more than one hundred inmates underwent Mental Health First Aider training. Certificates were awarded to 107 participants, a group that included seven correctional officers, marking a pivotal step in integrating mental health care into the prison environment.
Visible Impact on Inmates and Officers
Testimonies from beneficiaries highlight the programme's profound effect. One inmate shared a powerful sentiment, stating, "I almost lost hope, but this programme brought me back to life. I have been rebirthed." Another inmate, recognized as a cell elder, noted that the programme "didn't just teach us. It softened our hearts."
A correctional officer observed tangible behavioural shifts, saying, "You could see it in their eyes as some sat in silence, visibly sober, while others nodded slowly, and in deep thoughts." The officer provided a specific example of an inmate who was once withdrawn but, after the programme, began to bathe regularly, smile, and reconnect with others.
Alignment with National and Global Goals
The Federal Government has emphasised that Reform360 aligns with national priorities on rehabilitation and reintegration. Officials also pointed out that the programme contributes directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
By addressing stigma and providing structured mental health support, the initiative is designed to create safer custodial environments and better prepare inmates for a successful return to society. The government has praised the partnership with civil society and the private sector as a model for collaborative reform.
Looking forward, Vcare for Development Foundation has pledged to continue leveraging Sterling Oil's support to sustain the programme, with a goal to drive positive public health and socio-economic outcomes that honour human dignity. Sterling Oil has reaffirmed its commitment to continuously support initiatives that ensure a lasting impact in communities.
This initiative is now positioned as a critical component of the broader effort to modernise Nigeria's correctional system, with the government signalling that mental health care must become a cornerstone of national rehabilitation policy.
