Lagos Ministry of Justice Sensitizes Stakeholders on Prison Decongestion

The Lagos State Ministry of Justice (MOJ), through its Community Service Unit (CSU), recently hosted a sensitization and medical outreach at the Lagos Island Local Government Secretariat, targeting residents of Lagos Island East and West. The event, themed “Justice that Serves the Community,” aimed to deepen public understanding of the provisions for Community Service as a lawful, non-custodial sentence under the Lagos State Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL). Stakeholders, including the Chairman of All Chairmen in the 36 States, Mr. Williams, emphasized that obedience to law promotes safety and responsibility, calling the meeting a critical "call to action" for citizens to partner with the government.

Delivering the keynote address, the Director of Community Service, Mrs. Tomi Bodude, explained the core objectives of the program, which include rehabilitating minor offenders, restoring public confidence, and most crucially, decongesting correctional facilities. She highlighted that Community Service is designed to prevent first-time offenders from mixing with hardened criminals, offering a pathway for reform and successful reintegration into society. Mrs. Bodude strongly urged residents not to stigmatize individuals serving this non-custodial sentence, stressing their capacity for genuine reform.

​The event successfully recorded strong participation, drawing over 400 participants mainly market leaders and elderly community members from both Lagos Island West and Lagos Island East Local Government Areas. This high level of community engagement was underscored by goodwill messages from the Chairmen of both Local Governments (represented by their Vice-Chairmen), who reaffirmed their areas’ support for the State Government’s progressive initiative to educate the public on opportunities for offenders to rebuild their lives.

In addition to the educational outreach, the MOJ demonstrated its commitment to community wellbeing through the provision of essential health services. The medical outreach recorded a significant impact, benefiting 50 people from each Local Government Area. Free health services provided included crucial screenings such as malaria testing, blood pressure checks, and blood sugar tests, alongside the distribution of medications and general health education for participants.

the Director of Community Service expressed deep appreciation to all collaborating stakeholders, which included Lagos Island Local Government officials, medical personnel, security agencies, and partner organizations. The success recorded, both in terms of stakeholder participation and the medical outreach’s impact, showcased the Ministry's multi-faceted approach to justice reform, emphasizing that the application of non-custodial sentences is key to promoting a peaceful, progressive, and healthy society.