Lagos rehabilitates 27,529 offenders in 14 years, saves N289.7bn – Govt

Lagos rehabilitates 27,529 offenders in 14 years, saves N289.7bn – Govt

The Lagos State Government says it has rehabilitated 27,529 offenders in the last 14 years through its Community Service Scheme, saving about N289.74 billion in custodial costs.

Officials disclosed this on Tuesday during a Stakeholders’ Sensitisation Programme on the scheme in Lagos. A documentary presented at the event highlighted the programme’s impact since it began in 2012.

The documentary stated that the scheme is built on three pillars: justice reform, rehabilitation and reintegration.

“Our work is anchored on three core pillars: justice reform, rehabilitation and reintegration. These are not merely words; they represent our unwavering commitment to transforming lives and strengthening communities across Lagos State,” it said.

It explained that community service, provided for under Section 347 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State 2021, offers a structured alternative to imprisonment.

“Rather than being incarcerated, offenders are allowed to engage in meaningful work, develop valuable skills and make positive contributions to society,” the documentary added.

Data showed that 27,529 offenders passed through the scheme between 2012 and 2025. The highest number, 3,109, was recorded in 2018. In 2024, there were 2,684 cases, while 2025 recorded 1,451 cases so far.

Officials said the steady decline reflects the effectiveness of rehabilitation and reintegration.

“The overall direction shows a downward trend across the 2012 to 2025 period, a direct testament to the effectiveness of our rehabilitation and reintegration efforts,” the documentary stated.

Speaking for the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), and the Solicitor-General, Hameed Oyenuga, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Adebayo Haroun, said the scheme’s success depends on stakeholder collaboration.

Haroun noted that modern justice systems must go beyond punishment to focus on reform and reintegration.

“The administration of criminal justice in any modern society must continually evolve to reflect changing realities and emerging best practices. While punishment remains an important component of criminal justice, experience across jurisdictions has shown that sustainable justice outcomes are better achieved when sentencing policies also create opportunities for offender reform, behavioural change and productive reintegration into society,” he said.

He described the Community Service Unit of the Ministry of Justice as the agency that assesses offenders, places them in institutions, monitors compliance and reports back to courts.

“The unit transforms community service from a mere sentencing option into a practical tool for rehabilitation, reintegration and restorative justice, enabling offenders to make amends through productive service to society while reducing the burden on custodial facilities,” he said.

Haroun said assessments show the programme has become a widely accepted non-custodial option that has helped decongest prisons and cut the cost of short-term detention. He put the saving per offender at about N1.06 million annually.

He, however, identified manpower shortages, low public awareness, limited placement opportunities and logistics as challenges. He urged corporate bodies, civil society, faith groups and community leaders to support the scheme through CSR, vocational training and mentorship.

Data presented showed Lagos Island and Ikeja have the highest number of cases. Lagos Island recorded 727 offenders, 50% of 2025 cases, while Ikeja recorded 418, 29%. Both zones account for 74% of offenders, making them priority areas for project deployment.

A former beneficiary, Gbenga, shared his experience at the event. He said counselling and three months of community service after nearly eight years in Adigbe Correctional Centre, Ogun State, helped him rebuild his life.

“I stayed in Adigbe for almost eight years… When I came out, the counsellor diversely counselled me and helped me change my mindset,” he said.

He said he learnt photography and video production in custody and later enrolled at the National Open University of Nigeria. He now hopes to build a career in media.

The Director of the Community Service Unit, Tomi Bodude, said the objective is to make offenders take responsibility while creating room for rehabilitation. Deputy Director of the National Human Rights Commission, Lucas Koyejo, added that reintegration is a human rights issue, while Rev. Adebola Nuga of Access to Development Initiative called for greater community involvement.

The sensitisation ended with a panel discussion moderated by Joke Aladesanmi of the Centre for Legal Support and Inmate Rehabilitation, who stressed that rehabilitation must continue after release.