Prison Fellowship Unveils Groundbreaking Restorative Justice Initiative to Revamp Criminal Justice System
By Akudiang Comfort Pius, Jos
The Prison Fellowship Nigeria (PF Nigeria) has introduced its Restorative Justice, Rehabilitation and Reintegration Project, a pivotal initiative designed to overhaul Nigeria’s criminal justice framework.
The project is funded by the European Union through the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC Phase II) Programme, with management support from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).
It will be rolled out across eight states of Plateau, Adamawa, Edo, Anambra, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kano, Abia, and Lagos.
During a press conference in Jos, Plateau State, PF Nigeria’s Executive Director, Dr. Jacob Tsado, emphasized the project’s commitment to healing the harms inflicted by crime while fostering accountability among offenders.
“This initiative seeks to establish a framework where offenders acknowledge their actions, victims achieve a sense of closure, and communities experience genuine reconciliation.
“Restorative justice prioritizes healing and accountability over punitive measures,” Dr. Tsado stated.
He announced that the project’s inaugural workshop is scheduled for December 3, 2024, at the Jos Business School, off Rayfield Road in Jos.
Dr. Tsado underscored the significance of this workshop in furthering the project’s goals and heightening awareness around restorative justice practices.
“The workshop, titled Fostering Justice, Reconciliation, and Community Healing, will serve as a catalyst for the entire initiative.
“It is tailored to bring together key stakeholders—lawyers, law enforcement officials, community leaders, and social workers—to explore the practical applications of restorative justice within our legal framework,” Dr.Tsado explained.
He added, “This workshop in Jos is just the beginning of a comprehensive series of discussions aimed at bolstering awareness about restorative justice. It will illustrate how this approach can effectively resolve conflicts, facilitate the healing of victims, and guide offenders toward accountability and successful reintegration,” Dr. Tsado said.
According to him, a notable aspect of the project involves the creation of Restorative Justice Centers within selected courts, which will support alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and pre-diversion programs.
Dr. Tsado pointed out that these centers are designed to alleviate the pressures faced by courts and correctional institutions.
Reflecting on previous successes, he highlighted the establishment of a Restorative Justice Center at the Samuel Ilori Court House in Ogba, achieved in partnership with the Lagos State Government.
“Our experiences have confirmed that restorative justice is not only effective but also scalable. We are hopeful that this project will build upon and exceed those past accomplishments,” he remarked.
Beyond advocating for restorative justice, the initiative encompasses rehabilitation and reintegration programs for former offenders, capacity-building workshops, and efforts to enhance justice access for vulnerable populations, including women, children, and survivors of gender-based violence.
“Through these strategic interventions, we aspire to create a justice system that is equitable, transparent, and restorative, ensuring that all parties—victims, offenders, and communities—can progress together,” he said.
Dr. Tsado emphasized that the Restorative Justice, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration Project marks a crucial advancement in reforming Nigeria’s justice landscape, promoting reconciliation, and strengthening community resilience.
