The Anambra State House of Assembly has made history by passing the Anambra State Correctional Service Law 2025, becoming one of the first states to exercise its new constitutional power to establish a correctional system.
The law, passed under the leadership of Speaker Somtochukwu Udeze, operationalises a recent amendment to the 1999 Constitution which moved correctional services from the exclusive federal list to the concurrent legislative list, giving states authority to create and manage their own systems.
It is scheduled to take effect on 18 September 2025.
Majority Leader and sponsor of the bill, Ikenna Ofodeme, said; “the measure is designed to ensure justice delivery is more humane, efficient, and aligned with modern global practices.”
“This is not a law to contradict existing federal law. It is to ensure the humane and effective management of offenders… and to decongest prisons in relation to criminal matters committed within Anambra State.
“The legislation establishes the Anambra State Correctional Service with a human-centred philosophy, shifting the focus from mere incarceration to rehabilitation, reformation, and reintegration. This will be achieved through vocational training, education, psychological counselling, and programmes tailored for vulnerable groups like women and juveniles.
“It also sets up a new governing council to provide oversight, with a dedicated Correctional Service Fund to guarantee financial sustainability and accountability. The law mandates improved custodial standards, with strict prohibitions on torture and abuse, while ensuring access to basic welfare such as food, water, and healthcare.
“Furthermore, the bill expands non-custodial sentencing options, including community service, probation, parole, and restorative justice, so offenders can contribute positively to society instead of merely serving jail terms. Above all, the framework is aligned with international human rights instruments and global correctional best practices, with scope for collaboration with NGOs and community groups.” Ofodeme said.
The bill was adopted after a detailed clause-by-clause consideration at the Committee of the Whole during plenary in Awka.
Speaker Udeze commended the House Committee on Judiciary for its diligence and assured citizens that the Assembly will continue to pass laws that support justice reform and good governance.
“This is a bold step towards reshaping how we view justice. Anambra is showing leadership by prioritising rehabilitation over punishment and aligning our laws with global correctional best practices,” Udeze said.
PIAK