Nigeria has commenced the 2026 Regional Conference of the African Correctional Services Association (ACSA) on Prisoner Classification and the Use of Technology in Prisons, bringing together correctional leaders, policymakers and development partners from across the continent to discuss reforms aimed at improving prison administration.
The three-day conference, organised by the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the African Correctional Services Association (ACSA), opened on Wednesday at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja. Delegates from eleven African countries are participating in discussions on prisoner classification, technology-driven correctional management and regional cooperation.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, described the conference as a significant step towards building correctional systems that are secure, humane and responsive to modern security and rehabilitation needs.
Nwakuche said the Nigerian Correctional Service remains committed to modernising correctional administration through reforms driven by professionalism, innovation and international best practices in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He stressed that effective prisoner classification is central to correctional management, noting that it enhances institutional security, protects vulnerable inmates, supports rehabilitation programmes and improves reintegration outcomes.
The Controller-General also disclosed that the Service is advancing its digital transformation agenda through the deployment of biometric identification systems, electronic inmate records management, data-driven decision-making and continuous capacity building for correctional 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 sustaining reforms that have positioned Nigeria as a leader in correctional administration in Africa.
The minister highlighted achievements recorded under the current administration, including expanded inmate education and vocational training programmes, comprehensive inmate skills profiling, stronger implementation of non-custodial measures to address prison congestion and efforts to reduce repeat offending.
He said correctional facilities should remain centres of reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration rather than institutions focused solely on punishment.
“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 United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Interregional Adviser on Prison and Penal Reform, Philip Meissner, said the conference coincides with activities marking Nelson Mandela International Day, highlighting the continued relevance of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, also known as the Mandela Rules.
Meissner emphasised that technological innovation in correctional systems must be implemented in ways that protect human rights, uphold dignity and improve institutional effectiveness across Africa.
The Chairman of the African Correctional Services Association (ACSA) and National Commissioner of South Africa’s Department of Correctional Services described the conference as an important platform for strengthening collaboration among African correctional institutions. He noted that technology has become increasingly important in offender management through digital case management systems, biometric identification and improved correctional operations.
Also speaking, the Acting Director of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), Douglas Grane, praised the Nigerian Correctional Service for its leadership in advancing correctional reforms across the continent, noting that stronger correctional institutions contribute to justice sector reforms, public safety and regional security.
The opening day featured technical sessions on international standards for prisoner classification and strategies for implementing effective classification systems. Further deliberations over the next two days will focus on technology-driven prison management, digital information systems, country experiences in prison reforms and the adoption of recommendations to strengthen correctional services across Africa.
