Chinedum Elekwachi
Parole Board of Nigeria has identified legal provisions, continuous capacity building, collaboration and commitment to reform as critical to effective implementation of non-custodial measures.
National Chairman of the board, Justice Galadima (Rtd) stated this on Wednesday in Awka at the opening of Anambra state Parole Board Members training under the Advancing implementation of non-custodial solutions (AI-NCS) Project.
Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) organized the training in partnership with Nigerian Correctional Service and Faculty of Social Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
It enjoyed the funding support of Rule of Law and Anti-corruption (RoLAC), Programme II.
Galadima urged recommitment to a humane, efficient and fair justice system that that fosters reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration.
He underscored the importance of continued training of Parole members across states of the country with overcrowded facilities.
The Parole Board chair explained that stakeholders: roles in success of NCM extend beyond the walls of the correctional service.
Essence of 2019 Act
He said, “The Nigerian Correctional Service Act of 2019 marked a significant step in our efforts to decongest custodial centres and promote rehabilitative and restorative justice.
“However, effective implementation of non-custodial measures such as parole, probation, community service and suspended sentences require legal provisions.
“It also continuous capacity building, collaboration and deep commitment to reform.
“I can attest to the importance of continuous training of parole board members equipped with the right tools, knowledge and attitude.
“This is especially crucial in Anambra state and across the country where custodial facilities are overcrowded facilities and public confidence in the justice system must be continually earned.”
Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakauche said the training was to equip participants with necessary legal, procedural and ethical foundations to discharge such responsibility effectively.
Nwakauche, represented by Deputy Controller General of Corrections (Covering Duties) In Charge of Non-Custodial Directorate, Ogwude Elizabeth commended Anambra State government for its unwavering commitment to criminal justice reform as well as bold step in operationalizing the State Parole Board.
“This development is in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019
“But also a testament to the increasing recognition of non-custodial measures as a strategic, humane, and cost-effective response to crime and rehabilitation,” he said.
Major milestone
CG described establishment and training of the Parole Board as a major milestone.
“It is representative of a move towards a justice system capable of balancing accountability with restoration, and punishment with reintegration.
“Parole, as a key element of non-custodial sentencing, offers qualified inmates an opportunity to reintegrate into society under structured supervision and support.
“It is a process that reduces recidivism, eases prison congestion, and builds safer communities.
“As members of the Parole Board, you are entrusted with a sensitive and highly consequential responsibility,” he added.
PRAWA President, Dr Uju Agomoh, highlighted benefits of parole including cushioning negative effects of custody as well as providing necessary support base that ensured convicts maintained good behavior where they were undergoing community services.
She called on government, private sector and other stakeholders to see the need to contribute to the success through funding and volunteering services.
Also speaking, State chairman Parole Board, Justice C.E.K Anigbogu called for budgetary provisions to ensure effective monitoring, rehabilitation and reintegration.
“Aside congestion, the parole ensures reintegration of convicts back to the society through lesser sentences,” he concluded.
