Stakeholders Push For Reform Of Nigeria’s Juvenile Justice System

Stakeholders across government and business have called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s criminal justice system, particularly in the treatment of children in conflict with the law.

This followed the two-day screening of Caged Bird, a film produced by Legend Golden Care Foundation (LGCF), in partnership with the Nigerian Human Rights Commission, a statement from the LGCF office, released to LEADERSHIP said yesterday.

According to the statement, the screening, which was held on March 23 and 24, 2026, at the Delborough Hotel, Lagos, brought together key actors in the justice and human rights space, alongside members of the Lagos business community and senior government officials.

The Lagos State Governor, who was the Special Guest of Honour, was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Tayo Ayinde, who delivered a message reaffirming the government’s commitment to justice sector reforms and the protection of vulnerable populations.

He commended the producers for using film as a tool for advocacy and public enlightenment, noting that the Lagos State Government has long held this vision and has implemented policies in that regard.

Produced by LGCF and spearheaded by its Founder and Executive Director, Mrs Kanayo Olisa-Metuh, Caged Bird sheds light on systemic failures in Nigeria’s criminal justice system and explores wrongful detention and delayed trials.

In her address, Mrs Olisa-Metuh emphasised the urgent need to strengthen rehabilitation frameworks for young offenders by establishing more shelters and borstals. According to her, the absence of adequate care facilities continues to push vulnerable children deeper into cycles of crime and incarceration.

“These children are not beyond redemption,” she stated. “What they need is structured rehabilitation, psychosocial support, and a safe environment that addresses the root causes of their actions. Locking them up in prisons only worsens their situation and increases the likelihood of reoffending.”

She further noted that many of these children are victims of neglect, poverty, abuse, and systemic failure, factors that often lead to their initial contact with the law. Without proper intervention, these conditions not only persist but also contribute to recidivism and, in many cases, forced reintegration into harmful environments.

Guests present at the event echoed similar concerns, highlighting gaps in the implementation of child protection laws and the need for stronger institutional accountability.

It was also revealed that Nigeria currently has only about three borstal institutions, with growing concerns about their functionality and capacity to effectively rehabilitate young offenders. This reality further underscores the urgent need for alternative care systems that prioritise rehabilitation over punishment.

In response to this gap, Legend Golden Care Foundation announced that it is actively working towards establishing a dedicated shelter for children in conflict with the law. The proposed facility aims to provide a safe, structured, and supportive environment where affected children can access education, vocational training, and psychosocial support necessary for reintegration into society.

The importance of such shelters remains critical, as they serve not just as places of refuge but as transformation centres that address the root causes of juvenile delinquency.

The event was held with the support of Delborough Hotel’s CEO, Dr Stanley Uzochukwu, whose efforts ensured a seamless and impactful engagement over the two days.