Correctional Service Bill: Stakeholders, Lagos Assembly Advocates Reformatory Justice System

Stakeholders have canvassed a reformatory justice system as a better substitute to the exisiting punitive mode in the federal correctional centres.

This stance takes prominence in deliberations at the public hearing organized by the Lagos State House of Assembly to firm up a Bill to establish a modern correctional service centre for the administration of custodian and non-custodial measures.

The private member Bill sponsored by the Speaker of the House, Rt (Hon) Mudashiru Obasa, scaled second reading after being extensively debated by members during plenary session.

The Bill titled “LAGOS STATE CORRECTIONAL SERVICE BILL 2025”, according to the Sponsor is aimed to provide a more effective and humane approach to corrections, prioritize rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders in the society.

If passed into Law, it would provide training and rehabilitation programs for inmates, with the goal of reducing recidivism and promote safer communities.

Stakeholders who took time to make contributions to the bill, opined that harped on the fact that correctional centres need to help the inmates restoration back to the society seamless.

Mr. Mufutau Alade called for collaboration with religious organisations actively involved in the moral reformation of inmates, as well as reforms to speed up judicial processes.

In her contribution, Mrs Osunsanmi Bolanle Olufunke, Deputy Chief Registrar of the Ikeja High Court, pointed out that many inmates are youths with families living outside Lagos. She proposed the creation of liaison offices for post-release support and the inclusion of virtual hearing capabilities in the bill to reduce detention delays.

Mr. Rotimi Oladepo, representing the Nigerian Correctional Service, welcomed the state’s efforts to establish its own correctional centres and emphasized the need to distinguish custodial from non-custodial operations.

Also Mr. Alabidun Mahfuz, Executive Director, Inmates Educational Foundation, advocated stronger partnerships with civil society groups, youth inclusion on the correctional board, and prioritization of educational programmes to support reintegration.

Yusuf Temilola, a human rights lawyer, emphasized the importance of defining board quorum, proper regulation of oversight bodies, and implementing evaluation frameworks for post-release reintegration.

Joke Aladesanmi, from the Centre for Legal Support and Inmates Rehabilitation, drew attention to the absence of actual rehabilitation services in many facilities. She urged lawmakers to address mental health, educational services, and the link between rehabilitation and sentencing.

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CSP Charles Akinrosoye of the Lagos Police Command suggested the inclusion of transitional programmes and infrastructure guidelines for future facilities.

The hearing concluded with consensus among stakeholders on the urgent need to shift from a punitive to a reformative justice system. They agreed that for justice to be truly meaningful, it must empower individuals to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society.

Speaking to the Bill, Chairman, Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Public Petitions and LASIEC, Hon. Oladipo Ajomale, emphasized that the bill aligns with international best practices in correctional services, adding that it aims to reform and rehabilitate offenders rather than merely punishing them.

Ajomale expressed that the correctional system in Nigeria has been moved from exclusive list to concurrent list, adding that establishment of a correctional service centre is a significant step towards reforming the centres.

He further highlighted various sections of the bill, which ensure health and safety standards within which the facilities are met, adequate provision for juvenile offenders, and the use of modern surveillance technologies such as CCTV installations.

In his contributions, the Majority Leader, Hon. Noheem Adams said that if passed into Law, it would cater for the mental and physical welfare of inmates in custodian centres and as well ensure proper hygiene and adequate accommodations of inmates.

Contributing, Hon. Abiodun Tobun (Epe1) noted that the proposed bill would offer the inmates vocational training and a second chance at life.

He called for a strict ethical conduct by superintendents and the Director General who would oversee the operations.

Supporting the Bill, Hon. Femi Saheed (Kosofe 2) said “Lagos has the highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP), if the State must take its vantage, we must have a judicial system that will help the Bill, describing the bill as a life changing opportunity.

Saheed stated that the establishment of the Correctional centre would serve as a reform introduction.

Other lawmakers who echoed similar sentiments, affirmed that the bill will help decongest existing correctional centres, offer inmates life-changing opportunities, and provide structured support for vulnerable young people at risk of criminal behaviors.

However, in his remarks, Obasa appreciated members for their insightful contributions, describing the Bill as “the House’s baby” which must not be neglected.

He stressed the necessity for the State to back its justice system with the right infrastructure, adding that for justice to be effective, the State must provide adequate support facilities.

“This bill will ensure a safer, more reformed society and deliver lasting value to the people of Lagos,” Obasa stated.

He thereafter, committed the Bill to the House Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and LASIEC to report back in three weeks.