The Federal Government has announced plans to strengthen non-custodial measures to address overcrowding in correctional facilities. The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja during the unveiling of the National Minimum Standards 2025 for the Harmonised Restorative Justice Training Curriculum and Manual. He described the document as a key tool for promoting alternative dispute resolution and reducing case backlogs.

Fagbemi said the initiative would enhance accountability, protect victims’ rights and support offender rehabilitation. “Let me reaffirm the Federal Government’s commitment, through the Ministry of Justice, to strengthening an effective and responsive criminal justice system,” he said, adding that the goal is to promote accountability, protect victims’ rights, support offender rehabilitation, and foster safer communities. The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho, represented by Justice James Omotosho, said the framework reflects stakeholders’ commitment to strengthening the justice system.

He also pledged a three-day training programme on the manual. Director of Administration of Criminal Justice Reform Development, Leticia Ayoola-Daniels, urged stakeholders to ensure effective implementation. Other stakeholders, including Buba Marwa and representatives of security agencies and civil society groups, called for improved strategies to operationalise the standards nationwide.