The Lagos State Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the European Union-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) programme, has urged residents to embrace restorative justice as part of efforts to decongest correctional centres and ease the burden on the courts.
RoLAC Project Coordinator in Lagos, Ms. Ajibola Ajimakinwa, made the appeal during a press briefing held to mark the 2025 International Restorative Justice Week.
Speaking on the theme, “Restorative Justice, Your Legal Rights,” Ajimakinwa stressed the importance of expanding public awareness and promoting the institutional adoption of restorative justice mechanisms across the state.
She expressed concern that referrals for restorative justice remained low despite the high number of minor offences entering the criminal justice system.
Ajimakinwa explained that restorative justice offers a humane, efficient and non-custodial alternative for minor offences, noting that wider adoption would help reduce overcrowding in correctional centres.
She added that the Ministry of Justice carried out sensitisation campaigns across Badagry, Epe and Ikorodu during the week to deepen public understanding of restorative justice and its benefits.
Written by Iyeh Enema