African Correctional Chiefs Adopt Reform Roadmap At Abuja Conference
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the African Correctional Services Association (ACSA), has concluded a three-day regional conference in Abuja with the adoption of a communiqué aimed at advancing correctional reforms across Africa.
The conference brought together heads of correctional services, policymakers, criminal justice experts and delegates from 11 African countries to develop strategies for improving prisoner classification, expanding the use of technology in prison management, and strengthening offender rehabilitation and reintegration.
Speaking at the closing ceremony on Friday, Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, described the conference as a major milestone in Africa’s pursuit of modern, secure and humane correctional systems. He pledged that the Nigerian Correctional Service would implement the conference’s recommendations through concrete policies and operational reforms, stressing that technology must be backed by skilled personnel, effective data management and institutional accountability.
UNODC’s Inter-Regional Adviser on Prison and Penal Reform, Philipp Meissner, commended Nigeria’s progress in strengthening prisoner classification, saying African correctional services were moving beyond discussions to implementing practical reforms. He noted that the conference, held to mark Nelson Mandela International Day, reaffirmed commitment to the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Mandela Rules).
Presenting the conference communiqué, ACSA Principal Official Dr. Francis Omene said participating countries agreed to strengthen prisoner classification systems, enhance regional information sharing, build staff capacity, expand the responsible use of technology and align correctional practices with the Mandela Rules and other international standards.
On behalf of participating delegations, ACSA Vice Chairman Sabila Sawadogo praised Nigeria for hosting what he described as one of Africa’s most impactful correctional conferences in recent years. He urged correctional institutions across the continent to sustain collaboration, embrace innovation and continue sharing best practices.
The conference ended with delegates unanimously adopting a shared roadmap to deepen regional cooperation, institutionalise effective prisoner classification, expand technology-driven prison management and promote secure, humane and rehabilitation-focused correctional systems across Africa.
