The Niger and Nasarawa State Governments have intensified efforts to strengthen remand and juvenile homes aimed at reforming children in conflict with the law.
In Niger, Mrs. Hadiza Twaki explained that remand facilities were established to rehabilitate children who were beyond parental control or had committed minor offences.
She said the homes not only reform such children but also expose them to skill acquisition programmes such as tailoring, bead-making, liquid soap production, and souvenir bag making to aid their reintegration into society.
Twaki added that the Chanchaga Local Government provided three teachers for the Minna remand home to teach English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Agriculture, and Civic Education.
She, however, identified challenges including inadequate equipment and the need for facility upgrades to provide a more conducive environment, appealing for public donations and support.
In Nasarawa, the state government announced a partnership with the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to establish a juvenile correctional home in Shabu, Lafia.
Mr. Clement Audu, Director of Research and Statistics at the Ministry of Women Affairs and Humanitarian Services, said Governor Abdullahi Sule had approved the conversion of an existing facility for use as a children’s correctional centre.
He explained that the home would provide rehabilitation, counseling, academic learning, and vocational training to help children overcome behavioural issues, develop positive habits, and prepare for productive futures.
Audu stressed that the initiative would ensure the safety of children and the community while equipping the beneficiaries with life skills and knowledge.
Meanwhile, a resident of Lafia, Mr. Saidu Mohammed, urged the state to hasten the establishment of the facility to prevent mixing underage offenders with adults, warning that such practice could have negative consequences.
He added that the ultimate goal of remand and correctional homes was to help children and adolescents become law-abiding, responsible, and self-reliant citizens.