As Centre stages ‘end of project’ workshop… stakeholders harp on gender responsive budgeting in Nigeria

The Center for Gender Economics in Africa (CGE Africa), in partnership with the MacArthur Foundation, organised an end of project dissemination workshop titled “Assessment of Government Budget For Female Inmates and Their Babies in Correctional Centers in Nigeria” on Friday in Abuja.

The workshop brought together experts, civil society groups, the media, and personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to assess the budgetary implementation regarding the Nigerian Correctional Service Act of 2019.

Acting Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester N. Nwakuche MFR, Mni, represented by Asst. Compt. Gen. Adenike E Sheyindemi, emphasised the urgent need for gender-sensitive budgeting in the NCoS.

“The NCoS needs to do a lot more in ensuring that female inmates in custody live a more conducive life that encourages their willingness to embrace the various rehabilitation programs run by NCoS,” she said.

According to Asst. Compt. Gen. Sheyindemi, insufficient funding and the lack of gender-specific facilities in the rehabilitation programs are undermining efforts at reforming inmates.

“This negatively affects the well-being of babies born and raised in these facilities,” she added.

As of January 13, 2025, the total female inmate population nationwide was 1,688, with 34 pregnant women and 51 babies under the age of 18 months living with their mothers in custody.

Section 34 of The Nigerian Correctional Service Act of 2019 mandates the inclusion of gender-sensitive practices in all procedures, programs, and projects.

However, an analysis of the NCoS budget from 2018 to date highlights a significant gap in fully integrating gender considerations.

The Executive Director of CGE Africa, Uchenna Idoko, stated that the center was established in March 2011 as a research, advocacy, and advisory organization.

“We work with policymakers, leaders, and communities to address economic inequality, promote gender equity, and enhance women’s financial security,” she explained.

Idoko emphasised that the event marked the conclusion of the project – Assessment of Government Budgets for Female Inmates and Their Babies in Correctional Centers in Nigeria.

“This initiative, which commenced in November 2023, critically examined budget allocations for female inmates and their children under the Nigerian Correctional Service Act of 2019,” she said.

The government budget, according to Idoko, is a cornerstone of public administration, reflecting national priorities, commitments, and plans.

“However, implementing the Nigerian Correctional Service Act of 2019 requires specific and deliberate budgetary allocations, primarily to address the unique needs of female inmates,” she added.

Idoko noted that female inmates represent approximately 2% of the inmate population in Nigeria.

“Unfortunately, their needs are often overshadowed by the remaining 98%, comprised of male inmates,” she said.

Female inmates, according to Idoko, face unique challenges, usually compounded by vulnerabilities that existed long before incarceration.

“Pregnant women and nursing mothers in correctional facilities are particularly disadvantaged, as the system often fails to address their gender-specific needs,” she explained.

Idoko emphasised the importance of adopting Gender-Responsive Budgeting (GRB) to address gender gaps in funding.

“GRB ensures that budgets are designed to meet the specific needs of both males and females,” she said.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, commended CGE Africa and other stakeholders for their efforts in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Dr. Keshinro who was represented by an official of the ministry, emphasised the ministry’s unwavering commitment to advocating for gender equality and gender-sensitive budgeting that addresses the concerns of women and children.

The event concluded with the unveiling and presentation of the research project titled “Addressing the Needs of Female Inmates and Their Babies: The Shadow Budget for the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS)”.