Abuja:The Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) has urged for enhanced institutional ownership and sustainable implementation of non-custodial measures to fortify Nigeria’s criminal justice system. This call was made by the PRAWA Board Chairman, Mr. Chris Enenya, during a national policy dialogue in Abuja focusing on the implementation of these measures.
Accourding to News Agency of Nigeria, the event was organized by PRAWA with support from the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption in Nigeria (RoLAC II) Programme, implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA). The dialogue was themed ‘From Practice to Policy Strengthening the Effective and Sustainable Implementation of Non-Custodial Measures in Nigeria’.
Enenya emphasized that effective non-custodial measures rely on more than legal provisions; they require justice sector institutions to implement them consistently and accountably. Successful execution demands judicial confidence, skilled practitioners, effective supervision by correctional officers, institutional coordination, and community support.
PRAWA has been addressing the gap between legislation and practice through its Advancing Implementation of Non-Custodial Solutions (AI-NCS) project under the RoLAC II programme. Enenya highlighted that the project has collaborated with justice sector institutions in eight states to build capacity, promote engagement, and support the development of institutional tools.
The project has strengthened parole structures, improved supervision practices, and encouraged collaboration across the criminal justice chain. It has also supported the development and review of practice directions and sentencing tools, enhancing supervision of probation, suspended sentences, and community service. Notably, the first statutory parole releases under the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) Act 2019 have been observed, with 10 individuals released on parole in Abia, receiving tailored support for societal reintegration.
Enenya emphasized that institutional change requires more than training and legal frameworks, urging stakeholders to view the dialogue as a transition to stronger institutional ownership. The Controller-General of NCoS, represented by Dabit Timothy, called for greater adoption of non-custodial sentences, appreciating the judiciary and development partners for their support.
Dr. Uju Agomoh, Executive Director of PRAWA, stressed the need for coordination and collaboration among justice sector institutions to ensure the effective implementation of non-custodial measures. She cautioned against viewing these measures solely as cost-reduction strategies, highlighting the social costs of overcrowding and prolonged incarceration.
Ruqayya Kida from the Federal Ministry of Justice acknowledged non-custodial measures as crucial to justice sector reforms. Dr. Toyin Badejogbin, Project Manager of the RoLAC II Programme, called for a community of practice to support the NCoS, advocate for funding, and ensure proper utilization of resources. He thanked the European Union for its support, which includes oversight and monitoring beyond financial assistance.