Strengthens non-custodial reforms, pushes parole system for decongestion and rehabilitation
The Nigerian Correctional Service (Nigerian Correctional Service) has inaugurated reappointed members of the National and State Parole Boards for a new three-year term, as part of efforts to deepen non-custodial correctional reforms and expand public understanding of parole administration across the country.
In a press statement issued to the media by JN Osuji, Chief Superintendent of Corrections and Service Public Relations Officer, the event held at the Service Headquarters in Abuja also featured the unveiling of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials aimed at improving public awareness of non-custodial measures under Nigeria’s correctional system.
The programme was organised in partnership with the Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA)) and International IDEA.
Speaking on behalf of the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, MFR, mni, the Deputy Controller-General in charge of Human Resources, Ado Sale, charged the reappointed board members to strengthen coordination and oversight of parole administration nationwide.
He urged them to improve monitoring of parole processes, ensure prompt consideration of complaints and appeals from both offenders and victims, and provide recommendations that would enhance the efficiency and credibility of the system.
Sale also commended the boards for their performance during their first tenure, noting that their work contributed to key milestones, including the parole-based release of 10 inmates in Umuahia. He said parole remains central to reducing congestion in custodial centres and supporting offender rehabilitation.
The Deputy Controller-General overseeing the Directorate of Non-Custodial Service, IN Idris, described the inauguration as part of ongoing reforms to strengthen justice administration and reintegration mechanisms in Nigeria.
He explained that the Parole Board plays a critical role under the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, by assessing eligible inmates for supervised reintegration into society, in line with global correctional standards. According to him, evidence-based parole recommendations have helped reduce prison congestion and improved the implementation of non-custodial sentencing options across the country.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of PRAWA, Chris Eleya, said the development marked a significant step in Nigeria’s correctional reform process, adding that the 2019 Act had strengthened alternatives to imprisonment such as parole, community service and restorative justice.
He stressed the need for integrity and accountability in parole administration, noting that public confidence in the system depends on fairness and transparency in decision-making. He also highlighted the newly launched IEC materials as key to improving public awareness of non-custodial justice.
Representing International IDEA, Joshua Dada, congratulated the reappointed members and urged them to build on the achievements recorded in their first term.
Also speaking, State Parole Board Chairpersons, including Obisike Oji, Alero Edodo-Esoagha, S.B. Candide-Johnson, and Roseline Sha, shared experiences from their first tenure and outlined priorities for strengthening parole implementation at state level.
The event also featured the official unveiling of the IEC materials and presentation of awards to members of the Parole Boards in recognition of their contributions to correctional reform and parole administration in Nigeria.
