Socioeconomic Implications of Long-Term Incarceration in Nigeria Prisons

Abstract

Governments all over the world are faced with the task of combating crime, a problem that has affected both modern and historical cultures. Offenders are imprisoned in response to crime for varying lengths of time in an effort, among other things, to rehabilitate them and turn them into law-abiding citizens. Long-term incarceration, though, has unexpected consequences. Analyzing the socioeconomic implications of long-term incarceration in Nigeria is the goal of this paper. The paper makes the case that recidivism and unforeseen socioeconomic consequences for the family, business, social ties, state resources, and way of life result from the long-term incarceration of criminals. It concludes that, in an effort to rehabilitate the offender through long-term incarceration, more adverse effects are caused on the prisoner, their family, the economy, and other members of society. The paper recommends, among other things, that parole be used rather than keeping offenders in prison for an extended amount of time.