Nigeria Hosts African Correctional Leaders as ACSA Conference on Prisoner Classification, Prison Technology Opens in Abuja
Oru Leonard
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to modernising correctional administration as the 2026 Regional Conference of the African Correctional Services Association (ACSA) on Prisoner Classification and the Use of Technology in Prisons in Africa commenced in Abuja.
The three-day conference, organised by the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and ACSA, is bringing together heads of correctional services, policymakers, prison experts, development partners and delegates from 11 African countries to explore innovative approaches to prison management, rehabilitation and regional cooperation.
Speaking at the opening ceremony held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, described the conference as a milestone in Africa’s efforts to develop correctional systems that are secure, humane and responsive to evolving security and rehabilitation needs.
Nwakuche reaffirmed the Nigerian Correctional Service’s commitment to institutional reforms driven by professionalism, innovation and international best practices, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He stressed that effective prisoner classification remains fundamental to correctional administration, noting that it enhances institutional security, protects vulnerable inmates, facilitates targeted rehabilitation programmes and improves reintegration outcomes.
The Controller-General also highlighted ongoing efforts to digitise correctional operations through biometric identification systems, electronic inmate records management, data-driven decision-making and continuous capacity building for personnel.
“This conference offers Africa an opportunity to share experiences, learn from one another and develop practical, home-grown solutions that will strengthen correctional administration across the continent while promoting public safety and respect for human dignity,” he said.
Declaring the conference open, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, commended the Nigerian Correctional Service for driving reforms that have positioned Nigeria as a leader in correctional transformation across Africa.
He highlighted achievements recorded under the current administration, including expanded inmate education and vocational training, comprehensive inmate skills profiling, strengthened implementation of non-custodial measures to reduce prison congestion and sustained efforts to lower recidivism.
According to the minister, correctional centres should serve as institutions of reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration rather than punishment alone.
“Correctional centres are places where hope is restored and lives are rebuilt. While technology cannot replace the human element, it remains a powerful catalyst for strengthening correctional administration and improving rehabilitation outcomes,” Tunji-Ojo stated.
Representing the UNODC, Interregional Adviser on Prison and Penal Reform, Philip Meissner, noted that the conference coincides with activities marking Nelson Mandela International Day, underscoring the importance of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, also known as the Mandela Rules.
He urged African correctional institutions to ensure that technological innovations are deployed in ways that uphold human rights, preserve the dignity of inmates and improve institutional effectiveness.
The Chairman of the African Correctional Services Association (ACSA) and National Commissioner of South Africa’s Department of Correctional Services described the conference as a vital platform for strengthening collaboration among African correctional institutions. He noted that digital case management systems, biometric identification and other technological innovations have become indispensable tools in modern offender management.
Also speaking, Acting Director of the U.S. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), Douglas Grane, praised the Nigerian Correctional Service for its leadership in advancing correctional reforms across Africa, noting that stronger correctional institutions are essential to justice sector reforms, public safety and regional security.
The opening day featured technical sessions on international standards and core principles of prisoner classification, as well as practical approaches to implementing effective prisoner classification systems.
Discussions over the remaining days will focus on technology-driven prison management, digital information systems, country experiences in correctional reforms, regional collaboration and the adoption of strategic recommendations aimed at strengthening correctional services across the continent.
The conference is expected to deepen Africa’s collective commitment to building correctional systems that uphold human dignity, enhance institutional security and promote the successful rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders through innovation, cooperation and adherence to international standards.
