Abstract: | This article presents a brief historical and sociological description of prisons in Nigeria, looking at their functions and efforts which have been made to improve the Nigerian prison service. Nigerian prisons face many problems, including lack of funds, overcrowding, poor feeding and malnutrition, limited educational programmes, lack of visitation and a policy of isolation of prison inmates, lack of incentives for prison staff, and inadequate health care. It has been suggested by some that not only are Nigerian prisons antiquated, but that they are not even susceptible to reform. The second part of the article urges the Church to come to the aid of the Nigerian prison service and makes suggestions as to the Church's contribution. Information was collected from 'The Nigerian Prison Reports' (1970-1986), personal observations (during visits to a number of prisons over a decade or so for preaching and counselling assignments), and interviews with prison staff. Notes, ref. |