Prison Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has called for the adoption of restorative justice as a solution to reduce overcrowding in correctional facilities across the country.
Dr. Jacob Tsado, the Executive Director of the Christian NGO, made the suggestion during the opening of PFN’s 2025 Prayer Week in Abuja.
“Restorative justice is an approach that seeks to repair the harm caused by crime rather than focusing only on punishment,” Tsado explained.
“It promotes healing, accountability, and the restoration of relationships between those impacted by the offense. It encourages offenders to take responsibility for their actions and the harm they caused.”
Tsado stressed the importance of integrating restorative justice into Nigeria’s justice system, arguing that it offers a more humane, effective, and cost-efficient alternative to the conventional punitive model.
He pointed out that this approach could help ease the burden on the country’s overcrowded correctional centers by facilitating reconciliation between offenders and victims.
“Over 60 to 70 percent of inmates in correctional facilities are awaiting trial, and this situation is unjust,” Tsado said.
“We need to raise public awareness about the issues affecting this sector.”
PFN is currently collaborating with state governments to introduce restorative justice practices into the national justice framework.
During the Prayer Week, the organization also aims to shed light on the pressing needs within the correctional system.
The Fellowship has been actively involved in various initiatives aimed at supporting correctional centers across Nigeria.
Their efforts include providing medical and humanitarian aid, legal assistance, and promoting restorative justice programs. PFN has representatives in nearly every state, working to improve conditions in correctional facilities.
Yinka Oyewole, the Deputy Vice Chairman of PFN’s Board, added that the organization is also focusing on educational and material support for correctional centers.
He noted that PFN has also created programs to assist children of inmates and help those who are released reintegrate into society. These programs focus on emotional, psychological, and financial preparation for life after release.
Oyewole urged the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to work with PFN in efforts to reduce crime in the region.
In his remarks, the Director of Prison and Hospital Outreach for Foursquare Gospel Church in Asokoro, Mr. Edose John, acknowledged the government’s work in improving correctional centers, particularly in education and skills acquisition. However, he stressed the need for further investment in the renovation of facilities and better living conditions for inmates.
Dr. Elijah Ogusanya, PFN’s Deputy Executive Director, appealed to the government to prioritize inmate welfare and to support non-governmental organizations that have beneficial programs for incarcerated individuals.
