Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Henry Owen
Lagos — The Lagos State Ministry of Justice, in partnership with the European Union–funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC), has intensified its call for residents to embrace restorative justice mechanisms as part of ongoing efforts to reform the justice system, reduce delays in court processes, and tackle overcrowding in correctional facilities across the state.
During a recent sensitisation and advocacy programme, officials of the Ministry highlighted the growing strain on Lagos courts which handle thousands of cases yearly, making timely justice delivery increasingly difficult. They noted that the traditional adversarial system often prolongs trials, leaving many minor offenders in custodial centres for extended periods and contributing to congestion.
Restorative justice, they explained, offers a transformative alternative that shifts the focus from punishment to resolution, accountability, and healing. Rather than relying solely on incarceration, the approach brings together victims, offenders, and community representatives to address the harm caused and agree on practical steps toward restitution.
According to the Ministry, the model is especially effective for low-level offences, neighbourhood disputes, domestic disagreements, juvenile cases, and matters where reconciliation can prevent escalation. They stressed that restorative justice encourages empathy, reduces repeat offences, and provides closure for victims who often feel neglected in the conventional justice process.
A representative of the EU–RoLAC Programme said the initiative aligns with global best practices and is part of the EU’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s justice institutions. He noted that restorative justice has been successful in many countries, yielding higher satisfaction rates for victims and better reintegration outcomes for offenders who avoid the stigma of imprisonment.
The Lagos State Ministry of Justice also highlighted the role of the Restorative Justice Centre established within the state as a platform for mediation, counselling, community service arrangements, and supervised reconciliation sessions. Officials urged the public to take advantage of these facilities, describing them as vital tools for reducing court backlogs and ensuring faster access to justice.
They further emphasised that decongesting correctional centres is not only a legal imperative but also a human rights concern, as prolonged detention, especially for minor offences, undermines rehabilitation efforts and strains state resources.
The advocacy campaign forms part of broader justice sector reforms being championed by the Lagos State Government, which include digitalisation of court processes, support for vulnerable groups, expansion of legal aid, and continuous collaboration with international partners.
Officials encouraged community leaders, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, and residents to actively support restorative justice practices, noting that a community-driven approach is essential for sustainability and long-term behavioural change.
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