PRAWA Seeks Roadmap For Sustainable Reforms And Collaboration With FG, States

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji -Ojo and other Stakeholders have reiterated their commitments to advancing Nigeria’s correctional system reforms.

He stated this in Abuja during a two day Dialogue on Correctional Administration as part of the 30th Anniversary Commemoration of the Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action, PRAWA.

The Minister also advised the State Governments to take full advantage of recent legislation reforms to transform the country’s correctional system.

On his part, the Attorney General of Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi reaffirmed Federal Government’s dedication to promoting international best practices in correctional services assuring Stakeholders that the Ministry of Justice remains committed to ensuring that correctional centres uphold dignity and justice.

He therefore called for a change in the attitude and practices of correctional officers and advised them to view their uniforms as symbols of hope and protection rather than as instruments of oppression and intimidation.

Speaking on the topic “Model State Correctional Services Law, the President of Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action, Dr. Uju Agomoh called for humane and accessible justice system which recognizes support and rehabilitation to offenders in the country.

Dr. Uju Agomoh also called for more effective prison and penal reforms towards decongesting the nation’s correctional centres.

While highlighting the importance of victim -offender mediation and reconciliation services, Dr Uju Agomoh said she has introduced the first Alternative Justice Programme in West Africa through the support of British Council.

She emphasized the need for continuous training on international human rights standards, good prison practices and prevention of torture for criminal justice agents.

Dr. Uju Agomoh who equally advocated more intensive training of community leaders and volunteers on crime prevention and reduction stressed the need for measures that would further strengthen the country’s justice system

In a remark, the Board Chairman of PRAWA, Chris Enenya also stressed the importance of collaboration between Federal and State Institutions in addressing systemic challenges in correctional administrstion.

Chris Enenya noted that correctional services are central to justice, human rights and security hence the need for a collective action to resolve issues such as funding, prolonged detention and insufficient use of non custodial measures.

Other Stakeholders who spoke at the event acknowledged that the progress in implementing the 2023 constitutional amendment granting States the authority to establish correctional facilities was slow.