The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) has initiated a significant humanitarian and legal intervention at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The organisation formally pledged to provide free legal assistance to 115 inmates who currently lack legal representation, addressing a critical gap in access to justice. This comprehensive effort also included the donation of a vital solar-powered borehole and a new clinic lighting facility, aimed at improving fundamental living conditions within the correctional centre.

Associate Professor Uju Agomoh, the newly appointed Chairperson of NBA-SPIDEL, spearheaded the initiative, articulating the organisation’s unwavering commitment to fostering a justice delivery system that is both fair and humane. During a ceremony held at the Uyo Correctional Centre, Professor Agomoh confirmed that the officer-in-charge had officially handed over a list detailing the 115 inmates in dire need of legal support. She assured that NBA-SPIDEL would promptly act upon this list, pursuing every necessary step to secure the freedom that these individuals rightfully seek.

Professor Agomoh further underscored the urgency of such interventions by revealing alarming statistics from the Uyo facility. Out of a total of 1,725 inmates, a substantial 1,522 individuals, comprising 1,432 males and 90 females, are currently awaiting trial and have not yet been convicted. This high proportion of pre-trial detainees, often held for extended periods without adequate legal counsel, highlights systemic challenges within Nigeria’s criminal justice system and necessitates deliberate, multi-layered responses from the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association to protect the fundamental rights of all citizens.

The donation of the solar-powered borehole directly responds to a persistent and severe water crisis that has plagued the Uyo correctional centre for years. NBA-SPIDEL was moved to act following credible reports of the prevailing scarcity, recognizing that access to clean water is a basic human right essential for health and dignity. This crucial infrastructure upgrade, which also encompasses clinic lighting, was a direct outcome of a request for assistance made during an NBA-SPIDEL visit to the facility in September 2025, illustrating a responsive and proactive approach to inmate welfare.

Beyond the immediate relief provided, Professor Agomoh used the platform to advocate for broader systemic reforms. She urged inmates to take collective responsibility for the proper maintenance of the new facilities, while also calling upon the Controller-General of Corrections to undertake an immediate, comprehensive mapping of all custodial centres nationwide. This proposed audit would systematically identify the levels and status of water provision, sanitation, and hygiene across all facilities, thereby pinpointing specific areas of challenge and enabling the implementation of precisely targeted interventions to improve conditions across the country.

The Controller of Corrections for the Akwa Ibom State Command, Theophilus Okoka, expressed profound appreciation for NBA-SPIDEL’s compassionate intervention. He lauded the organisation for its concern for humanity and acknowledged that the provision of the solar-powered borehole would effectively address the acute water shortage that has burdened the Uyo centre for an extended period. Okoka particularly commended NBA-SPIDEL for opting for a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution through the utilisation of solar power, a testament to forward-thinking and responsible development.

Mr. Okoka further assured the donors and partners of the Command’s unwavering commitment to the project’s long-term success. He stated, “I assure our distinguished donors and partners that this facility will be properly maintained and judiciously utilised. The Command takes full ownership of this project and remains committed to ensuring its sustainability.” This pledge underscores the collaborative spirit required to effect lasting positive change within the correctional system, emphasizing shared responsibility between civil society and government agencies.

Dr. Ezekiel Inyang, the Officer-in-Charge of the Uyo Custodial Centre, also extended his gratitude to NBA-SPIDEL, specifically acknowledging the significant impact of addressing the centre’s long-standing water scarcity. During the ceremony, Dr. Inyang formally presented the detailed list of 115 inmates who lack legal representation to the NBA-SPIDEL team. This symbolic handover cemented the partnership, paving the way for the legal professionals to commence their work, ensuring that these vulnerable individuals receive the due process and legal support guaranteed under the law, thereby reinforcing the principles of justice and fairness for all.

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Keywords: NBA-SPIDEL, Uyo Correctional Centre, legal aid Nigeria, inmate legal representation, solar powered borehole, Akwa Ibom justice system, prison water crisis, public interest law Nigeria