Odimmegwa Johnpeter/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 successfully concluded the three-day Regional Conference on Prisoner Classification and the Use of Technology in Prison Settings in Africa, with participating countries adopting a landmark communiqué aimed at strengthening correctional administration across the continent. This was contained in a statement signed by JN Osuji, Chief Superintendent of Corrections, Service Public Relations Officer, Nigerian Correctional Service.
The conference, hosted in Abuja, brought together Heads of Correctional Services, policymakers, criminal justice experts, development partners and delegates from eleven African countries to exchange knowledge, share experiences and develop practical strategies for improving prisoner classification, leveraging technology for effective prison management and enhancing rehabilitation and reintegration outcomes.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, MFR, mni, described the conference as a major milestone in Africa’s collective pursuit of modern, secure and humane correctional systems.
He noted that the extensive deliberations and technical sessions had produced practical, forward-looking recommendations that would strengthen prisoner classification systems, encourage the responsible deployment of technology, and improve offender rehabilitation across African correctional institutions.
The Controller-General reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Correctional Service to translating the conference outcomes into concrete policies and operational reforms.
“The Nigerian Correctional Service will domesticate the outcomes of this conference and ensure that its recommendations are translated into actionable policies and programmes. We remain committed to building correctional institutions that are secure, humane, technology-driven, and aligned with international best practices,” he stated.
Nwakuche emphasized that technology has become an indispensable enabler of modern correctional administration but stressed that its success depends on competent personnel, effective data management, institutional accountability, and sustained collaboration among criminal justice stakeholders. He added that these priorities align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
The Controller-General expressed profound appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for correctional reforms. He also commended UNODC, ACSA, the United States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and other development partners for their invaluable contributions to the success of the conference.
Speaking on behalf of UNODC, the Inter-Regional Adviser and Team Leader on Prison and Penal Reform, Mr. Philipp Meissner commended Nigeria’s remarkable progress in strengthening prisoner classification under the leadership of the Controller-General of Corrections.
According to him, the conference demonstrated that African correctional services are no longer merely discussing reform but are now implementing practical solutions capable of transforming correctional administration across the continent.
“This conference is not about laying foundations; it is about building on success. We now have practical tools, stronger partnerships, and correctional systems that continue to evolve through collaboration and shared learning,” he remarked.
Meissner further observed that the conference, held in commemoration of Nelson Mandela International Day, reaffirmed Africa’s commitment to the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Mandela Rules) and the promotion of dignity, justice and rehabilitation within correctional institutions.
Presenting the Conference Communiqué on behalf of participating countries, Dr. Francis Omene, Principal Official of ACSA, commended the Federal Government of Nigeria for providing an enabling environment for regional cooperation in correctional administration.
He also acknowledged the commitment of the Honourable Minister of Interior, the Nigerian Correctional Service, UNODC, the United States Embassy, INL, and other partners towards advancing correctional reforms across Africa.
Dr. Omene stated that the adopted communiqué reflects a collective commitment by African correctional services to strengthen prisoner classification systems, enhance regional information sharing, invest in staff capacity development, expand the use of technology in prison management and align correctional practices with the Mandela Rules and other international standards.
Responding on behalf of participating delegations, Mr. Sabila Sawadogo, Vice Chairman of ACSA, applauded the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Nigerian Correctional Service for the successful hosting of the conference, describing it as one of the most impactful correctional gatherings on the continent in recent years.
He paid glowing tribute to the Controller-General of Corrections for his exemplary leadership and commended the Honourable Minister of Interior for providing strategic direction to Nigeria’s correctional reforms.
Sawadogo also appreciated the continued support of UNODC, ACSA, ICRC, and other partners in promoting correctional development across Africa.
“Every correctional officer is a manager of human beings, not just a warden,” he said, while urging correctional institutions across Africa to sustain collaboration, embrace innovation and continue sharing best practices to address emerging correctional challenges.
The conference concluded with participating countries unanimously adopting a shared roadmap for strengthening regional cooperation, institutionalising effective prisoner classification systems, expanding the responsible use of technology in correctional administration and promoting secure, humane and rehabilitation-focused correctional systems across Africa.
The successful hosting of the conference further reinforces Nigeria’s leadership in correctional reforms and its commitment to fostering regional partnerships that promote public safety, human dignity, and sustainable criminal justice development across the African continent.
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