Nigeria Hosts African Conference on Prison Reforms, Technology in Correctional Services
Nigeria Hosts African Conference on Prison Reforms, Technology in Correctional Services
Nigeria Hosts African Conference on Prison Reforms, Technology in Correctional Services
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to modernising Nigeria’s correctional system through technology-driven reforms and improved prisoner classification, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this known on Wednesday while delivering the keynote address at the opening of the Regional Conference on Prisoner Classification and the Use of Technology in Prison Settings in Africa, held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
The three-day conference brought together heads of correctional services from across Africa, alongside representatives of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the United States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) to discuss strategies for strengthening correctional systems across the continent.
Speaking at the event, Tunji-Ojo described effective prisoner classification as the foundation of humane, secure and rehabilitative prison management, stressing that correctional facilities should serve as centres for genuine reformation rather than punishment alone.
He said the adoption of technology in correctional administration would improve security, reduce recidivism and enhance rehabilitation programmes, while ensuring more efficient management of correctional facilities.
According to the minister, the Federal Government remains committed to comprehensive reforms aimed at modernising Nigeria’s justice and correctional sector in line with international best practices.
He noted that the conference provides a unique opportunity for African countries to strengthen regional cooperation, exchange practical experiences and develop common strategies to address challenges such as prison overcrowding, ineffective rehabilitation programmes and institutional capacity gaps.
Tunji-Ojo added that Nigeria is honoured to host the continental gathering, expressing confidence that the deliberations would contribute to building correctional systems that promote national security, public safety and sustainable development across Africa.
The conference is expected to produce recommendations on the use of technology, prisoner classification, rehabilitation programmes and regional collaboration to improve correctional services throughout the continent.
Nigeria Hosts African Conference on Prison Reforms, Technology in Correctional Services
