Rule of Law: Parole Board Chairman Makes Case for Humane, Fair Justice System

By Praise Chinecherem

Parole Board of Nigeria has identified legal provisions, continuous capacity building, collaboration and commitment to reform as critical to effective implementation of non-custodial measures.

National Chairman of the board, Hon Justice Galadima (Rtd) stated this on Wednesday in Awka at the opening of Anambra state Parole Board Members training under the Advancing implementation of non-custodial solutions (AI-NCS) Project.

The training was organized by Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) in partnership with Nigerian Correctional Service and Faculty of Social Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, with funding support of Rule of Law and Anti-corruption (RoLAC), Programme II.

Galadima urged recommitment to a humane, efficient and fair justice system that uphold rule of law that foster reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration.

Underscoring importance of continued training of Parole members across states of the country with overcrowded facilities, Parole Board chair explained that stakeholders: roles in success of NCM extend beyond the walls of the correctional service.

He said, “The Nigerian Correctional Service Act of 2019 marked a significant step in our efforts to decongest custodial centres and promote rehabilitative and restorative justice.

“However, effective implementation of non-custodial measures such as parole, probation, community service and suspended sentences require not only legal provisions, but also continuous capacity building, collaboration and deep commitment to reform.

“As chairman, I can attest to the importance of continuous training of parole board members equipped with the right tools, knowledge and attitude to implement parole as alternative to incarceration.

“This is especially crucial in Anambra state and across the country where custodial facilities are overcrowded facilities and public confidence in the justice system must be continually earned.”

Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakauche said the training was designed to equip the participants with necessary legal, procedural and ethical foundations to carry out such responsibility effectively.

Nwakauche, represented by Deputy Controller General of Corrections (Covering Duties) In Charge of Non-Custodial Directorate, Ogwude Elizabeth commended Anambra State government for its unwavering commitment to criminal justice reform as well as bold step in operationalizing the State Parole Board.

“This development is not only in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, but also a testament to the increasing recognition of non-custodial measures as a strategic, humane, and cost-effective response to crime and rehabilitation,” he said.

CG described establishment and training of the Parole Board as not just a major milestone, but representation of a move towards a justice system capable of balancing accountability with restoration, and punishment with reintegration.

“Parole, as a key element of non-custodial sentencing, offers qualified inmates an opportunity to reintegrate into society under structured supervision and support.

“It is a process that, when properly implemented, reduces recidivism, eases prison congestion, and builds safer communities.

“As members of the Parole Board, you are entrusted with a sensitive and highly consequential responsibility. You will assess the readiness of eligible inmates to return to society, ensure public safety is not compromised, and uphold the principles of fairness, transparency, and due process,” he added.

PRAWA President, Dr Uju Agomuo highlighted benefits of parole including cushioning negative effects of custody as well as providing necessary support base that ensured convicts maintained good behavior where they were undergoing community services.

She called on government, private sector and other stakeholders with interest of their various communities at heart to see the need to contribute to the success through funding and volunteering services.

Also speaking, State chairman Parole Board, Justice CK Anigbogu called for budgetary provisions for mechanisms to ensure effective monitoring, rehabilitation and reintegration.

“Aside congestion reduction of the facilities, the parole ensures reintegration of convicts back to the society through lesser sentences.

“Such infrastructure to make parole non-custodial sentencing should be put in place so that when they are being sent out on parole, there are existing structures to receive them in the society,” he said.