Abuja: Prison Fellowship Nigeria (PFN) has called for the implementation of restorative justice as a vital strategy to alleviate the overcrowding in correctional facilities across the nation. Dr. Jacob Tsado, Executive Director of PFN, a Christian non-governmental organization, emphasized this need during the inauguration of the Fellowship’s 2025 Prayer Week in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, restorative justice is described as an approach that prioritizes repairing the harm caused by criminal activities, focusing on healing, accountability, and the restoration of relationships between offenders and victims. Dr. Tsado highlighted that this approach encourages offenders to acknowledge their actions and the consequent harm, presenting a more humane, effective, and cost-efficient alternative to the conventional punitive justice model.
Dr. Tsado articulated that integrating restorative justice into the national justice system could facilitate reconciliation, subsequently reducing the number of individuals committed to correctional facilities. He pointed out that the current situation, where a significant portion of inmates are awaiting trial, is unjust and requires urgent attention. The PFN is actively collaborating with state governments to introduce restorative justice practices into the criminal justice framework, aiming to increase public awareness about the sector’s challenges during their Prayer Week initiatives.
The organization boasts a significant presence across Nigeria, contributing to correctional centers through various forms of support, including legal aid and medical supplies. Yinka Oyewole, Deputy Vice Chairman of the PFN Board, noted the Fellowship’s efforts in enhancing educational and material resources within correctional centers, as well as providing programs for former inmates to facilitate their reintegration into society.
Additionally, Mr. Edose John, Director of Prison and Hospital Outreach at Foursquare Gospel Church in Asokoro, praised the government’s initiatives in education and skill acquisition within correctional facilities but stressed the need for further improvements in infrastructure and inmate welfare. Dr. Elijah Ogusanya, PFN’s Deputy Executive Director, urged the government to prioritize inmate welfare and support NGOs with beneficial programs for inmates.