Restorative Justice in Nigeria: A Path to Conflict Resolution and Justice Reform
In a significant move towards justice reform, the Federal Government is calling on stakeholders to adopt restorative justice in Nigeria as a central approach for conflict resolution. This call was made by Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation at the Federal Ministry of Justice, during a two-day sensitization workshop aimed at promoting the implementation of restorative Justice in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Mr. Abubakar emphasized the urgent need for a shift in Nigeria’s justice system, encouraging a justice model that fosters healing, reconciliation and accountability. ” Restorative justice transcends mere policy; it embodies a fundamental shift in how society addresses conflict, crime, and harm within communities. It challenges us to think beyond punishment and retribution, asking us to reimagine justice as a process of repair, resolution, and reintegration. The concept of restorative justice goes to the root of our Africanness, which believes that we cannot come back from court and remain as good neighbors,” he stated.
Abubakar called on law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, traditional leaders, civil society organizations, government agencies, and community members to embrace this framework, recognizing its potential benefits for society.
Alleviating Court Congestion and Prison Overcrowding
Speaking at the workshop, Prof. Muhammed Ladan, former Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, supported the call for restorative justice, stating that its adoption is critical to addressing the longstanding issues within Nigeria’s criminal justice system. He noted that implementing restorative justice could significantly alleviate problems such as court congestion and overcrowding in correctional centers, remarking, “Restorative justice is already part of our traditional systems; so what we need is complementarity between modern legal frameworks and these time-tested practices”.
Restorative justice emphasizes dialogue between victims and offenders, promoting accountability and making amends. This not only reduces the backlog of cases in courts but also helps offenders reintegrate into society, avoiding the long-term consequences of incarceration.
Embracing Traditional Systems for Justice Reform
Adding to the dialogue, His Royal Highness Luka Ayedoo, the Etsu of Kwali expressed his enthusiasm for the ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s justice sector. He acknowledged the multitude of challenges facing the justice system and highlighted the necessity of discussions aimed at reducing these burdens. “Restorative justice is our own system of addressing justice until the Western world received it. It is very original to us, and I am glad we are beginning to embrace it, though with some changes,” he remarked. Ayedoo also emphasized that the restorative justice system would ensure accountability for offenders, stating, “By so doing, you will bring healing and de-escalate further conflicts.” He asserted that traditional institutions play a vital role in effective dispute resolution and their involvement is crucial for the successful implementation of restorative justice. Restorative Justice in Nigeria – AWJAI
The workshop brought together a diverse group of participants, including judges, lawyers, traditional leaders and educators. The discussions centered on how the principles of restorative justice could be applied in Nigeria’s modern legal system to resolve disputes more effectively, alleviate pressure on the courts, and create stronger communities.
This article demonstrates how restorative justice in Nigeria is gaining momentum as a solution for conflict resolution, addressing the limitations of retributive justice while promoting healing and reintegration.
https://www.nigerianjournalsonline.com/index.php/IJOCLLEP/article/viewFile/1187/1170
-News Agency of Nigeria
