The Federal Government has again mooted healing, reparation and reintegration as a way of enhancing restorative justice and bringing offenders back into the society.
The government further restated its commitment to a justice system that goes beyond punishment of offenders.
This was made known Wednesday by the Director, Administration of Criminal Justice and Reform Department in the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Leticia Ayoola-Daniels at an opening session of a two-day capacity building workshop for facilitators on the implementation of restorative justice in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
While stressing the need to fully integrate restorative justice into the justice system, she added noted that it fosters accountability and creates a more just, peaceful, and inclusive society by placing the needs of victims, offenders and the community at the center of the process.
Consistent support, technical expertise and commitment of the the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) according to the Director, have been invaluable in advancing restorative justice in Nigeria.
The workshop, she said, provides the opportunity to transform the justice delivery system by ensuring that restorative justice is effectively implemented in the FCT, thereby serving the best interests of all stakeholders.
She noted further that the workshop represents a pivotal step in the ongoing efforts to reform the justice system and create a framework that promotes rehabilitation, accountability and healing.
The Etsu of Kwali, HRH Luka Ayedoo on its part made a case for the inclusion of traditional rulers in the restorative justice system in the country.
According to him, traditional rulers have many traditional principles which are not spelt out in law but helps in resolving disputes in the community.
The Etsu of Kwali said, traditional rulers should be trained on how to carry out their responsibilities, in dispensing justice and referring of cases to conventional courts.
In her speech, the National Project Officer of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Melissa Omene lamented the increasing number of in-mates at Correctional Centers across the country and called for concerted efforts by stakeholders to reform the criminal justice system in Nigeria.
According to her, the restorative justice programme of the Federal Ministry of Justice seeks to achieve a sense of satisfaction for the victim and the community, repairs the harm caused by the offence, reintegrates the offender and holds the offender accountable in a productive way
She said, the UNODC will continue its collaboration with the Ministry of Justice in improving restorative justice system in the country.