Understanding the Challenges Faced by Nigerian Prisoners in UK Prisons

Written By Michael Angley Ogwuche

Prison Wall

Foreign National Prisoners (FNPs) in UK prisons endure a challenging experience distinct from their UK-national counterparts. This disparity, highlighted in both research and practice, has significant implications for Nigerian prisoners abroad, who often find themselves grappling with systemic disadvantages, cultural barriers, and a lack of tailored rehabilitative support. This blog explores these challenges and the critical role organisations like the Prisoners’ Advice Service (PAS) play in addressing them, with a focus on how these issues impact Nigerian prisoners.

The treatment of FNPs in UK prisons is often degrading when compared to UK nationals. As Banks (2011) notes, their imprisonment is characterised by “isolation, language barriers… no family contact, discrimination… limited understanding of the prison and criminal justice systems, and… problems linked to immigration-status, post-sentence detention, resettlement and deportation”. For Nigerian prisoners, this reality can be compounded by cultural difference and the stigma associated with imprisonment, both in the UK and upon their return to Nigeria.

Many Nigerian prisoners face isolation due to cultural and linguistic differences. While English is an official language in Nigeria, accents, colloquialisms, and the prison environment's unique vernacular can pose communication challenges. This creates barriers to accessing resources, participating in prison programmes, and forming meaningful connections.

Discrimination, whether overt or subtle, remains a persistent issue. Nigerian prisoners, like many other FNPs, report feeling unfairly treated, particularly concerning opportunities for education, vocational training, and other rehabilitative programmes designed for UK nationals. This inequity undermines the rehabilitative ethos of the UK’s prison system and leaves many FNPs, including Nigerians, inadequately prepared for reintegration upon release.

 Under UK law, FNPs sentenced to imprisonment of 12 months or more are subject to automatic deportation unless they meet specific exceptions. For Nigerian prisoners, this often means facing deportation to a country they may have left decades ago, with limited ties or support networks. Contesting deportation can be a daunting task, further complicated by recent changes in legal aid policies.

Legal representation is no longer guaranteed for those contesting deportation due to family ties in the UK, leaving many prisoners to navigate a complex legal system unaided. This lack of access to legal advice disproportionately impacts Nigerian prisoners, who may already face systemic disadvantages. As PAS reports, the demand for immigration advice continues to rise, highlighting the need for accessible, culturally sensitive legal support.

Organisations like PAS are critical in addressing the challenges faced by Nigerian prisoners. Accredited at Level Three by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC), PAS provides invaluable assistance with detention and deportation issues. This includes explaining prisoners’ legal, human, and healthcare rights and ensuring they are empowered to assert these rights while incarcerated.

In 2023–24, PAS reported that 12% of callers to its advice line, 5% of letter writers, and 19% of outreach clinic attendees were FNPs. This demonstrates the ongoing need for tailored support within the FNP community. Notably, PAS conducted six dedicated outreach clinics at HMP Huntercombe, a facility exclusively housing FNPs, during this period, seeing 44 individuals for one-to-one consultations. This proactive engagement is essential for addressing the unique challenges Nigerian prisoners face, ensuring they receive the guidance and advocacy they need.

 The Nigerian Context

For Nigerian prisoners, the prospect of deportation often looms large. Deportation can result in social ostracisation, economic hardship, and difficulty reintegrating into Nigerian society, especially for those who have lived abroad for many years. Additionally, the stigma surrounding imprisonment in Nigeria means that returning prisoners may face discrimination or rejection from their families and communities.

This reality underscores the importance of initiatives that provide Nigerian prisoners with comprehensive support, both during their incarceration and as they prepare for reintegration. Organisations like PAS not only advocate for fair treatment within the UK prison system but also help prisoners understand their rights and options, enabling them to make informed decisions about their futures.

The Need for Collective Action

Addressing the challenges faced by Nigerian prisoners in UK prisons requires a multi-faceted approach:

  1. Advocacy for Equal Treatment
    Advocacy groups must continue to campaign for equitable access to rehabilitative opportunities for FNPs, ensuring Nigerian prisoners receive the same opportunities for personal development and reintegration as UK nationals.

  2. Increased Legal Support
    Expanding access to legal advice and representation is crucial, particularly for those contesting deportation. PAS’s work in this area is commendable, but additional resources are needed to meet growing demand.

  3. Cultural and Linguistic Sensitivity
    Prison staff and support services must be trained to understand and address the cultural and linguistic needs of Nigerian prisoners. This includes recognising the unique challenges they face and providing tailored support to overcome them.

  4. Reintegration Programmes
    Comprehensive reintegration programmes should be developed in collaboration with Nigerian communities and organisations. These programmes should address the stigma of imprisonment, provide vocational training, and facilitate connections with support networks in Nigeria.

NOPSI’s intervention

The challenges faced by Nigerian prisoners in UK prisons are significant but not insurmountable. By addressing systemic inequities, providing tailored support, and advocating for their rights, organisations like PAS play a vital role in ensuring these individuals are treated with dignity and respect.

As stakeholders in the Nigerian Overseas Prisoners Support Initiative (NOPSI), we must amplify these efforts, ensuring no Nigerian prisoner abroad is left without the support they need. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of these individuals, promoting justice, rehabilitation, and hope for a better future.

Michael Angley Ogwuche