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), today formally commenced the 2026 ACSA Regional Conference on Prisoner Classification and the Use of Technology in Prisons in Africa at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. This was contained in a statement signed by JN Osuji, Chief Superintendent of Corrections, Service Public Relations Officer, Nigerian Correctional Service.
The three-day conference has drawn Heads of Correctional Services, policymakers, correctional experts, development partners and delegates from eleven African countries to deliberate on innovative strategies for improving prisoner classification, advancing the responsible use of technology in correctional administration and strengthening regional cooperation in prison reforms.
Welcoming participants, the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, MFR, mni, described the conference as a defining moment in Africa’s collective efforts to build correctional systems that are safer, more humane and responsive to contemporary security and rehabilitation challenges.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Correctional Service’s commitment to modernising correctional administration through reforms anchored on professionalism, innovation, and international best practices, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
The Controller-General observed that effective prisoner classification remains one of the most critical components of correctional management, as it enhances institutional security, protects vulnerable inmates, supports targeted rehabilitation programmes and improves reintegration outcomes.
He further disclosed that the Service is accelerating its digital transformation agenda through the deployment of biometric identification systems, electronic inmate records management, data-driven decision-making, and continuous capacity development for personnel.
According to him, “This conference offers Africa an opportunity to share experiences, learn from one another and develop practical, home-grown solutions that will strengthen correctional administration across the continent while promoting public safety and respect for human dignity.”
Declaring the conference open, the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo commended the Nigerian Correctional Service for sustaining the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s correctional system and positioning the country as a leader in correctional reforms within Africa.
The Minister highlighted significant milestones recorded by the Service under the current administration, including expanded inmate education and vocational training programmes, comprehensive inmate skills profiling, strengthened implementation of non-custodial measures to address custodial congestion and sustained efforts towards reducing recidivism.
He emphasized that correctional centres must remain institutions of reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration rather than facilities focused solely on punishment.
“Correctional centres are places where hope is restored and lives are rebuilt. While technology can not replace the human element, it remains a powerful catalyst for strengthening correctional administration and improving rehabilitation outcomes,” the Minister stated.
Representing the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Interregional Adviser on Prison and Penal Reform, Mr. Philip Meissner noted that the conference coincides with activities marking Nelson Mandela International Day, underscoring the enduring relevance of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Mandela Rules).
He stressed the importance of ensuring that technological innovation within correctional systems is implemented in a manner that safeguards human rights, promotes dignity, and enhances institutional effectiveness across Africa.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the African Correctional Services Association (ACSA) and National Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services, South Africa, described the conference as a landmark platform for deepening collaboration among African correctional institutions. He observed that technology has become indispensable in modern offender management through digital case management systems, biometric identification, and improved correctional operations.
Also speaking, the Acting Director of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), Mr. Douglas Grane applauded the Nigerian Correctional Service for providing leadership in advancing correctional reforms across the continent, noting that stronger correctional institutions contribute significantly to justice sector reforms, public safety and regional security.
The opening day featured technical presentations on International Standards and Core Principles of Prisoner Classification and Implementing Effective Prisoner Classification Systems, providing participants with practical insights into global best practices and emerging innovations in correctional management.
Deliberations will continue over the next two days with sessions focusing on technology-driven correctional management, digital information systems, country experiences in prison reforms, regional collaboration and the adoption of strategic recommendations aimed at strengthening correctional services across Africa.
The conference is expected to reinforce Africa’s collective commitment to building correctional systems that uphold human dignity, enhance institutional security and support the successful rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders through innovation, collaboration and adherence to international standards.
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