The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Justice has convened a technical session to validate the Restorative Justice Harmonized Training Manual. The gathering was a testament to shared commitment by stakeholders to strengthen Nigeria’s justice system through restorative justice mechanisms that emphasized accountability, rehabilitation, and community reintegration rather than focusing solely on the punishment of the offenders.
Without any iota of doubt, Restorative Justice (RJ) had gained global recognition and traction as a viable alternative to the conventional criminal justice process by focusing on healing rather than punishment. Thus, fostering reconciliation, reducing recidivism, and alleviating the burden on custodial facilities.
The Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary (SGF) Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba OON, mni, who was represented by the Director, Solicitor Department, Mrs. Odegbaro, made these far-reaching assertions in her keynote address at the validation session held to harmonize the Restorative Justice Training Manual, on Wednesday 26th March, 2025 at the Abuja Continental Hotels.
Reflecting on the gains of RJ over the past few years, the SGF stated that Federal Ministry of Justice had taken deliberate steps to integrate RJ into the justice sector, including but not limited to: the review and validation of RJ documents for the FCT; capacity-building and sensitization sessions for key justice sector actors; collaborations with development partners such as RoLAC and UNODC to ensure compliance with international best practices in the course of administration of justice; and efforts to standardize RJ implementation nationwide.
“The harmonized Training Manual serves not only as a compass for justice sector professionals and stakeholders but also helps to ensure consistency in the application of RJ principles across the country, as well as laying a strong foundation for effective RJ implementation and supporting initiatives that promote effective criminal justice system in Nigeria”. Jedy-Agba enthused.
In her welcome address, the Director of Administration of Criminal Justice Reform Department, in the Ministry Mrs. Leticia Ayoola-Daniels, revealed that the session marked yet another significant milestone in the collective commitment to institutionalizing Restorative Justice (RJ) practices in Nigeria. She stated further that the Federal Ministry of Justice remained steadfast in its pursuit of justice sector reforms that promote fairness, efficiency, and viable alternatives to incarceration.
She expressed gratitude and appreciation to the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation (HAGF) and Minister of Justice, the Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary (SGF) for their unwavering leadership and commitment to advancing Restorative Justice in Nigeria as well as the exceptional efforts RoLAC in developing the Harmonized Training Manual, supporting the validation session, and their continuous collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice in advancing criminal justice administration reform. Ditto to UNODC for their steadfast support in implementing Restorative Justice in the FCT and for their continued partnership in advancing RJ initiatives.
She also appreciated the facilitators and technical experts who meticulously developed the Harmonized Restorative Justice Training Manual for their dedication to refining and integrating training materials into a comprehensive and practical guide.
In his goodwill message, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun PH. D, represented by DIG Sadiq Idris Abubakar mni acknowledged that the Harmonized Restorative Justice Training Manual was a vital tool in enhancing the capacity of law enforcement agencies, judicial officials and other stakeholders to deliver restorative justice services. This would provide a standardized framework for restorative justices’ practices and ensured consistency and effectiveness in the overall efforts to promote justice and reconciliation.
The Country representative of the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) in Nigeria, Mr. Cheikh Toure represented by Ms. Melissa Omene, in his goodwill message, noted the great potential of RJ to meaningfully contributing to the achievement of SDG 16 on providing access to justice for all. She also expressed enthusiasm on the steps currently being taken in the FCT and in the various states of the Federation to design and implement coordinated RJ programmes.
In his goodwill message, the Comptroller of Nigeria Correctional Service, Mr. Slyvester Nwakuche mni, MFR represented by DCG (Non-Custodial) Mr. Ndubiusi Ogbodo highlighted the benefits of Restorative Justice which included victim centeredness, closure to the victim and the community on one hand and forgiveness for the offenders on the other, engenders accountability, responsibility and cost effectiveness. He described it as the most curative of all custodial measures which would bring the offender, the victim and the community together in a triangular arbitration that focused on healing, forgiveness, restitution and restoration.
The Project Manager of International IDEA/ RoLAC, Mr. Oluwatoyin Badejogun appreciated the partnership between his organization and the Ministry and urged all stakeholder to take advantage of the harmonized manual with hope and vigour to enhance and advance restorative justice in Nigeria.
The Technical Session drew participants from MDAs, other justice stakeholders and the press.
Signed
Aderemi Adelabu – CIO
For: Director (I & PR)
Federal Ministry of Justice
26th March, 2025
