By Adebayo Gbeja
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), on Wednesday commenced the 2026 African Correctional Services Association (ACSA) Regional Conference on Prisoner Classification and the Use of Technology in Prisons in Africa.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference with the theme “Prisoner Classification as the Foundation of Effective Prison Management”, is organised by ACSA in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The Service Public Relations Officer, CSC Jane Osuji, made this known in a statement on Wednesday.
Osuji said that the three-day event holding in Abuja brought together heads of correctional services, policymakers, correctional experts, development partners and delegates from 11 African countries.
She also said that the conference was aimed at advancing innovative strategies for improving prisoner classification, promoting the responsible use of technology in correctional administration and strengthening regional cooperation in prison reforms.
She quoted the Controller-General of Corrections (CGC), Sylvester Nwakuche, as describing the conference as a defining moment in Africa’s collective efforts to build correctional systems that were safer, more humane and responsive to contemporary security and rehabilitation challenges.
Nwakuche reaffirmed the NCoS commitment to modernising correctional administration through reforms anchored on professionalism, innovation and international best practices in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
The CGC noted that effective prisoner classification remained one of the most critical components of correctional management, as it enhanced institutional security, protected vulnerable inmates, supported targeted rehabilitation programmes and improved reintegration outcomes.
He disclosed that the service was accelerating its digital transformation agenda through the deployment of biometric identification systems, electronic inmate records management, data-driven decision-making and continuous capacity development for personnel.
“This conference offers African correctional institutions the opportunity to exchange experiences, learn from one another and develop practical solutions to strengthen correctional administration across the continent.
“It will also promote public safety while upholding respect for human dignity,” he said.
In his remarks, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, commended the NCoS for sustaining the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s correctional system and positioning the country as a leader in correctional reforms in Africa.
The minister highlighted achievements recorded by the service under the current administration to include expanding inmate education and vocational training programmes.
Others he said includes comprehensive inmate skills profiling, strengthened implementation of non-custodial measures to address custodial congestion and sustained efforts to reduce recidivism.
“Correctional centres must remain institutions of reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration rather than facilities focused solely on punishment.
“Technology remains a vital tool for strengthening correctional administration and improving rehabilitation outcomes, while maintaining the essential human element in offender management,” he said.
Similarly, the Interregional Adviser on Prison and Penal Reform at the UNODC, Philip Meissner, said that the conference coincided with activities marking Nelson Mandela International Day.
Meissner stressed the need to ensure that technological innovations in correctional systems were implemented in ways that safeguarded human rights, promoted dignity and enhanced institutional effectiveness across Africa.
In the same vein, the Chairman of ACSA and National Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services, South Africa, Makgothi Thobakgale described the conference as a landmark platform for strengthening collaboration among African correctional institutions.
He noted that technology had become indispensable in modern offender management through digital case management systems, biometric identification and improved correctional operations.
Also speaking, the Acting Director of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), Douglas Grane, commended the Nigerian correctional service for providing leadership in advancing correctional reforms across Africa.
“Stronger correctional institutions would contribute significantly to justice sector reforms, public safety and regional security,” he said.
NAN reports that the opening day featured technical presentations on international standards and core principles of prisoner classification, as well as effective prisoner classification systems.
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