Dr Uju Agomoh, the Executive Director, Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA)
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.
The Manager, Broadcast and Media Production, PRAWA, Mr Nnadozie Onwurah who made the call in a statement on Monday in Abuja urged the government to specifically focused on Sections 2(1)c and 10(f) of the Act.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the sections of the NCoS Act aim to enhance the focus on corrections and promote the reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of offenders.
NAN also reports that the Act focus on implementing, reformation and rehabilitation programmes to enhance the reintegration of inmates back into society
Onwurah said that the implementation would raise awareness about providing ex-offenders with fresh starts, foster community acceptance, and inspire collective support for rehabilitation and reintegration.
He said that the organisation had been promoting the Yellow Ribbon Project in Nigeria, inspired by Singapore’s initiative, and had facilitated awareness campaigns in several states, including Lagos, Enugu, Abia, Kano, and Abuja.
“This year, PRAWA pledges to intensify its program, focusing on supporting those serving non-custodial sentences.
“PRAWA will also be advocating for the effective implementation of Section 44 of the NCoS Act 2019, addressing funding for non-custodial measures.
“Furthermore, more effort will be put into increasing the number of partnering organisations on the initiative, including those from the private sector.
“The Yellow Ribbon Project is a global movement supporting individuals reintegrating into society after incarceration, championing the belief that everyone deserves a second chance, regardless of past mistakes.
“In celebration of the 2024 Yellow Ribbon Project, the theme “A Nation Beyond Second Chances” aims to foster a more inclusive society where ex-offenders have opportunities to redeem themselves,” he said.
Onwurah called on all stakeholders in the criminal justice sector, including legislators, the judiciary, the executive arm of government, correctional services staff, Civil Society Organisations, and the media, to advocate for increased awareness.
He also urged them on understanding the challenges faced by ex-offenders and their families including community acceptance, fostering a more welcoming environment for ex-offenders.
“Also, there should be community involvement which is encouraging community participation in supporting rehabilitation and reintegration,” he said.
He said that PRAWA has launched research to examine the barriers to reintegration, mental health issues, and the societal stigma faced by ex-offenders to support informed policy recommendations and advocacy efforts.
PRAWA is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting security, justice, and development in Africa. Established in 1994, it secured observer status with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in 1998.
PRAWA envisions a humane and secure society that corrects and empowers individuals to prevent crime, violence, and torture.
The organisation’s mission is to promote institutional reforms in both formal and informal sectors to ensure access to justice, support torture victims, and assist at-risk youth.