By Ibironke Ariyo
The Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) has called on the Federal Government to expedite the implementation of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) Act 2019 to enhance corrections, reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of offenders.
Mr. Nnadozie Onwurah, Director, Media Production and Broadcasting at PRAWA, who made the call in a statement on Monday in Abuja, called on the government to specifically focus on sections 2(1)(c) and 10(f) of the Act.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that parts of the NCoS Bill seek to place greater emphasis on correctional services and promote reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders.
NAN also reports that the law focuses on the implementation of reform and rehabilitation programmes to enhance the reintegration of inmates into society.
Onwurah said the implementation would raise awareness on how to give ex-offenders a fresh start, promote community acceptance and inspire collective support for rehabilitation and reintegration.
He said the organisation had promoted the Yellow Ribbon Project in Nigeria, inspired by the Singapore initiative, and conducted awareness campaigns in several states including Lagos, Enugu, Abia, Kano and Abuja.
“This year, PRAWA is committed to intensifying its programme with a focus on supporting persons serving non-custodial sentences.
“PRAWA will also work towards the effective implementation of Section 44 of the NCoS Act 2019, which deals with the financing of non-custodial activities.
“In addition, further efforts will be made to increase the number of organizations involved in the initiative, including those in the private sector.
“The Yellow Ribbon Project is a global movement that supports the reintegration of people into society after incarceration and upholds the belief that everyone deserves a second chance, regardless of past mistakes.
“On the occasion of the Yellow Ribbon Project 2024, the theme ‘A Nation Beyond Second Chances’ aims to promote a more inclusive society where ex-offenders are given opportunities to rehabilitate themselves,” he said.
Onwurah called on all stakeholders in the criminal justice sector, including legislators, the judiciary, the executive branch of government, prison staff, civil society organizations and the media, to advocate for greater awareness.
He also urged them to understand the challenges faced by ex-offenders and their families, including community acceptance by fostering a more welcoming environment for ex-offenders.
“In addition, there must be community engagement that encourages community participation in supporting rehabilitation and reintegration,” he said.
He said PRAWA had initiated research to examine barriers to reintegration, mental health issues and social stigma of ex-offenders to support informed policy recommendations and advocacy.
PRAWA is a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting security, justice and development in Africa. It was founded in 1994 and was granted observer status with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in 1998.
PRAWA envisions a humane and safe society that reforms and empowers people to prevent crime, violence and torture.
The organization’s mission is to promote institutional reforms in the formal and informal sectors to ensure access to justice, support victims of torture and assist youth at risk.
