NCoS, UNODC, ACSA conclude regional conference, adopt communiqué on correctional reforms

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has concluded the 2026 Regional Conference on Prisoner Classification and the Use of Technology in Prison Settings in Africa.

The three-day conference was held in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the African Correctional Services Association (ACSA).

The conference ended on Friday in Abuja with participating countries adopting a communiqué aimed at strengthening correctional administration and advancing prison reforms across the continent.

The conference brought together heads of correctional services, policymakers, criminal justice experts, development partners and delegates from 11 African countries.

The conference also provided a platform for participants 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.

In his remarks, the Controller-General of Corrections (CGC), Sylvester Nwakuche, described the conference as a major milestone in Africa’s collective pursuit of modern, secure and humane correctional systems.

Nwakuche said that the technical sessions and deliberations produced practical recommendations that would strengthen prisoner classification systems, encourage the responsible deployment of technology and improve offender rehabilitation across African correctional institutions.

The CGC reaffirmed the commitment of the NCoS to implementing the resolutions reached at the conference through concrete policies and operational reforms.

“The NCoS 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 secured, humane, technology-driven and aligned with international best practices,” he said.

Nwakuche noted that technology had become an indispensable enabler of modern correctional administration.

He added that its effective deployment depended on competent personnel, sound data management, institutional accountability and sustained collaboration among criminal justice stakeholders.

According to him, these priorities are in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

He expressed appreciation to the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his 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 contributing to the success of the conference.

Speaking on behalf of UNODC, the Interregional Adviser and Team Leader on Prison and Penal Reform, Philip Meissner, commended Nigeria’s progress in strengthening prisoner classification under the leadership of the CGC.

According to Meissner, the conference has demonstrated that African correctional services were moving beyond discussions on reforms to 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.”

Meissner added 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), as well as the promotion of dignity, justice and rehabilitation in 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.

Omene also acknowledged the commitment of the minister of interior, the Nigerian Correctional Service, UNODC, the United States Embassy, INL and other partners towards advancing correctional reforms across Africa.

“The adopted communiqué reflects a collective commitment by African correctional services to strengthen prisoner classification systems and enhance regional information sharing.

“It will also aid investment in staff capacity development, expand the use of technology in prison management and align correctional practices with the “Mandela Rules” and other international standards”, he said.

Similarly, the Vice Chairman of ACSA, Mr Sabila Sawadogo, commended the Nigerian government and the NCoS for the successfully hosting of the conference.

Sawadogo described the event as one of the most impactful correctional gatherings on the continent in recent years and praised the leadership of the Nigerian CGC and the minister of interior for driving correctional reforms in Nigeria.

He also appreciated the continued support of UNODC, ACSA, ICRC and other development partners in promoting correctional development across Africa.

“Every correctional officer is a manager of human beings, not just a warden,” he said.

He urged correctional institutions across Africa to sustain collaboration, embrace innovation and continue sharing best practices to address emerging correctional challenges.

The participating countries unanimously adopted a shared roadmap aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, institutionalising effective prisoner classification systems and expanding the responsible use of technology in correctional administration across Africa.

The roadmap also reaffirmed the commitment of African correctional services to promoting secure, humane and rehabilitation-focused correctional systems in line with international standards and best practices.