African Nations adopt Abuja communique on correctional reforms

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

African correctional authorities have adopted the Abuja Communiqué, a roadmap aimed at strengthening prisoner classification, expanding the responsible use of technology and improving rehabilitation across correctional institutions on the continent.

The communiqué was adopted at the end of the three-day Regional Conference on Prisoner Classification and the Use of Technology in Prison Settings in Africa, jointly organised by the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the African Correctional Services Association (ACSA) in Abuja.

The development was disclosed in a statement signed by the Service Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Chief Superintendent of Corrections J.N. Osuji, who said the conference attracted heads of correctional services, policymakers, criminal justice experts, development partners and delegates from 11 African countries.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, described the conference as a major milestone in Africa’s collective pursuit of modern, secure and humane correctional systems.

He said the deliberations produced practical recommendations that would strengthen prisoner classification systems, promote the responsible deployment of technology and improve offender rehabilitation across correctional institutions in Africa.

Nwakuche reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Correctional Service to implementing the conference resolutions.

“The Nigerian Correctional Service 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 secure, humane, technology-driven and aligned with international best practices,” he said.

He noted that technology had become indispensable in modern correctional administration but stressed that its effectiveness depends on skilled personnel, sound data management, institutional accountability and sustained collaboration among criminal justice stakeholders.

The Controller-General also commended the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his support for correctional reforms, while appreciating UNODC, ACSA, the United States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the International Committee of the Red Cross and other development partners for supporting the conference.

Speaking on behalf of UNODC, Inter-Regional Adviser and Team Leader on Prison and Penal Reform, Philipp Meissner, said African correctional services had moved beyond discussing reforms to implementing practical solutions capable of transforming prison administration across the continent.

He said the conference, held to mark Nelson Mandela International Day, reaffirmed Africa’s commitment to the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Mandela Rules).

Presenting the communiqué, ACSA Principal Official, Dr. Francis Omene, said participating countries agreed to strengthen prisoner classification systems, enhance regional information sharing, invest in staff capacity development, expand the use of technology in prison management and align correctional practices with international standards.

Also speaking, ACSA Vice Chairman, Sabila Sawadogo, described the Abuja conference as one of the most impactful correctional gatherings held in Africa in recent years, urging correctional institutions across the continent to sustain collaboration and innovation in addressing emerging challenges.

The conference concluded with participating countries unanimously adopting a shared roadmap to deepen regional cooperation and promote secure, humane and rehabilitation-focused correctional systems across Africa.