Prison Fellowship Nigeria (PFN) has advocated the adoption of restorative justice as a critical solution to decongest correctional centres across the country.
Dr Jacob Tsado, Executive Director of PFN, a Christian Non-governmental Organisation, made the call at the opening of the Fellowship’s 2025 Prayer Week on Sunday in Abuja.
Restorative justice “is an approach to justice that focuses on repairing the harm caused by crime or wrongdoing, rather than solely on punishment.
“It emphasises healing, accountability, and restoring relationships between those affected by the offense; encourages offenders to take responsibility for their actions and the harm they caused”.
Tsado said that restorative justice, should be incorporated in the nation’s justice system because it is a more humane, effective, and affordable alternative to the traditional punitive model.
According to Tsado, restorative justice facilitates reconciliation between offenders and their victims, thereby significantly reducing the number of people being sent to correctional centres.
He said this will help in addressing the severe issue where correctional facilities hold significantly more inmates than their designed capacity.
“Our justice system needs a lot of help,, and so much work need to be done. Why should it be that 60 per cent to 70 per cent of inmates in the correctional centres are awaiting trial? That is unjust.
“So, we need citizens to be aware of the things going on in this sector,” he said.
Tsado said the PFN is partnering with state governments to introduce restorative justice into the criminal justice system.
According to Tsado, the Fellowship also uses the Prayer Week to create awareness of the needs in the sector.
Tsado said that the Fellowship has made a lot of impact in Correctional Centres across Nigeria with its representatives in almost all the states of Nigeria rendering assistance, medical supplies, humanitarian supplies, legal aid, restorative justice among others.
The Deputy Vice Chairman of PFN Board, Yinka Oyewole, said the Fellowship is adding value to correctional centres educationally, materially and in programmes to address the needs of the children of the inmates.
Oyewole said the Fellowship also has programmes for those released, by preparing them for the next stage of life, emotionally, psychologically, financially and so on.
He called on the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to partner with PFN, in reducing crimes in the territory
Also speaking , Mr Edose John, Director of Prison and Hospital Outreach, Foursquare Gospel Church, Asokoro, commended the government’s effort in correctional centres especially in the areas of education and skill acquisition.
John however, said there was need to do more in renovating the centres , provide good accommodation, improved welfare among others.
Dr Elijah Ogusanya, PFN’s Deputy Executive Director, called on the government to take the welfare of the inmates seriously and support the NGOs that have good programmes for inmates.