President Bola Tinubu has approved the relocation of 29 correctional centres across the country as part of efforts to modernise Nigeria’s custodial facilities.
Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced this on Friday in Abuja during the commissioning of 39 newly acquired vehicles and five bullet-resistant guard booths for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).
He noted that many existing correctional centres, including those in Suleja and Ikoyi, were established as far back as the 19th century and are no longer suitable for modern correctional practices.
“Suleja Correctional Centre was built in 1914, Ikoyi in 1956, and we even have facilities dating back to the 19th century. We cannot continue with such outdated infrastructure,” Tunji-Ojo said.
He assured that the relocation process has already begun, with the aim of improving conditions for both inmates and correctional officers.
Correctional Reforms and Officer Welfare
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to comprehensive correctional reforms, highlighting improvements in officer welfare.
“We are making progress. We are not where we need to be yet, but we are certainly not where we were,” he said, pointing to recent promotions of over 50,000 paramilitary officers in the past two years.
For the first time, he added, the promotion process in the service has been completely overhauled to ensure timely career progression.
Tunji-Ojo also stressed the need to professionalise correctional services, with recruitment and training aligned with global standards.
“We must ensure that the correctional system is not just about punishment but also rehabilitation and transformation,” he stated.
New Vehicles and Security Measures
Acting Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, expressed optimism about the newly acquired vehicles, which will be deployed to various commands based on operational needs.
The fleet includes specialised escort vehicles for transporting inmates to and from courts, aimed at improving court attendance and reducing the backlog of Awaiting Trial Persons (ATPs), who currently make up 66 per cent of the inmate population.
To bolster security, the NCoS has also installed five bullet-resistant guard booths at key locations, including the National Headquarters in Abuja and high-security custodial centres in Kuje, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Lagos. These booths, equipped with long-range surveillance capabilities, are designed to withstand heavy weaponry and explosives.
“This initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s vision to reposition the Nigerian Correctional Service for greater efficiency, professionalism, and adherence to international best practices,” Nwakuche stated.
He urged correctional officers to ensure proper maintenance of the new vehicles and security infrastructure, reaffirming the service’s commitment to justice, security, and humane treatment of inmates.