The Federal Government has again reiterated its commitment to a justice system that goes beyond punishment to embrace healing, reparation, and the reintegration of offenders into society.
The Director, Administration of Criminal Justice and Reform Department in the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs Leticia Ayoola-Daniels stated this in Abuja on Wednesday, while speaking at the opening session of a two-day capacity-building workshop for facilitators on the implementation of restorative justice in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
While stressing the need to fully integrate restorative justice into the justice system, she added that it fosters accountability and creates a more just, peaceful, and inclusive society by placing the needs of victims, offenders, and the community at the center of the process.
According to the Director, the consistent support, technical expertise and commitment of the the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have been invaluable in advancing restorative justice in Nigeria.
The workshop, she said, provides the opportunity to transform the justice delivery system by ensuring that restorative justice is effectively implemented in the FCT, thereby serving the best interests of all stakeholders.
She also noted that the workshop represents a pivotal step in the ongoing efforts to reform the justice system and create a framework that promotes rehabilitation, accountability, and healing.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Etsu of Kwali, HRH Luka Ayedoo made a case for the inclusion of traditional rulers in the restorative justice system in the country.
According to him, traditional rulers have many traditional principles which are not spelled out in law but help in resolving disputes in the community.
The Etsu of Kwali said traditional rulers should be trained on how to carry out their responsibilities, in dispensing justice and referring cases to conventional courts.
In her speech, the National Project Officer of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Melissa Omene lamented the increasing number of inmates at Correctional Centers across the country and called for concerted efforts by stakeholders to reform the criminal justice system in Nigeria.
According to her, the restorative justice programme of the Federal Ministry of Justice seeks to achieve a sense of satisfaction for the victim and the community, repair the harm caused by the offence, reintegrate the offender, and hold the offender accountable in a productive way.
She said the UNODC will continue its collaboration with the Ministry of Justice in improving restorative justice system in the country.
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