By Adebayo Gbeja_
Participating countries and partners at the 2026 Regional Conference on Prisoner Classification have adopted a communiqué to strengthen correctional administration and advance prison reforms across Africa.
The 2026 Regional Conference on Prisoner Classification and the Use of Technology in Prison Settings in Africa which ended on Friday in Abuja, was hosted by the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).
The three-day conference was held in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the African Correctional Services Association (ACSA).
NCoS Public Relations Officer, CSC Jane Osuji, said the meeting brought together heads of correctional services, policymakers, criminal justice experts, development partners and delegates from 11 African countries.
”The countries unanimously adopted a shared roadmap to strengthen regional cooperation, institutionalise effective prisoner classification, and expand the responsible use of technology in correctional administration across Africa.”
She said the conference provided a platform to exchange knowledge, share experiences and develop practical strategies for improving prisoner classification, leveraging technology for prison management, and enhancing rehabilitation and reintegration outcomes.
According to her, the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, described the conference as a major milestone in Africa’s pursuit of modern, secure and humane correctional systems.
Nwakuche said technical sessions produced recommendations to strengthen prisoner classification, encourage responsible deployment of technology, and improve offender rehabilitation across African institutions.
He reaffirmed NCoS commitment to domesticating the resolutions through concrete policies and operational reforms.
“The NCoS will domesticate the outcomes of this conference and ensure that its recommendations are translated into actionable policies and programmes.
“We remain committed to building correctional institutions that are secured, humane, technology-driven and aligned with international best practices,” he said.
The CGC noted that technology had become an indispensable enabler of modern correctional administration, but stressed that its effective use depends on competent personnel, sound data management, accountability and sustained collaboration.
He said these priorities align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
Nwakuche appreciated the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for supporting correctional reforms, and commended UNODC, ACSA, the U.S. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, INL, ICRC and other partners for their contributions.
Speaking for UNODC, Interregional Adviser and Team Leader on Prison and Penal Reform, Philip Meissner, commended Nigeria’s progress in strengthening prisoner classification under the CGC’s leadership.
Meissner said the conference showed African correctional services were moving beyond discussions to implementing practical solutions.
“This conference is not about laying foundations; it is about building on success. We now have practical tools, stronger partnerships and correctional systems that continue to evolve through collaboration and shared learning,” he said.
He added that the conference, held to commemorate Nelson Mandela International Day, reaffirmed Africa’s commitment to the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, the Mandela Rules, and to promoting dignity, justice and rehabilitation.
Presenting the communiqué on behalf of participating countries, Dr Francis Omene, Principal Official of ACSA, commended the Federal Government for enabling regional cooperation.
Omene said the communiqué reflects a collective commitment to strengthen prisoner classification, enhance regional information sharing, invest in staff capacity, expand technology use in prison management, and align practices with the Mandela Rules and other international standards.
The Vice Chairman of ACSA, Mr Sabila Sawadogo, also praised Nigeria and NCoS for hosting what he called one of the most impactful correctional gatherings on the continent in recent years.
“Every correctional officer is a manager of human beings, not just a warden,” Sawadogo said, urging African institutions to sustain collaboration, embrace innovation and share best practices.
NAN reports that countries unanimously adopted a shared roadmap to strengthen regional cooperation, institutionalize effective prisoner classification, and expand the responsible use of technology in correctional administration across Africa.
The roadmap further reaffirms commitment to secure, humane and rehabilitation-focused correctional systems in line with international standards.
Edited by Deborah Coker_