The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has committed to reducing overcrowding in Nigerian correctional centres as part of a broader reform initiative aimed at transforming the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).
Tunji-Ojo made the promise during the second public hearing of the Independent Investigative Panel on alleged corruption and other violations within the NCoS in Abuja. The minister emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle the numerous challenges facing the correctional service, which includes improving the welfare of correctional officers.
“We are committed to providing better training, equipment, and living conditions for our correctional officers,” Tunji-Ojo stated, underscoring the importance of a well-equipped workforce to enhance the effectiveness of the service.
A key issue raised by the minister was the high number of awaiting trial inmates, which he identified as a major contributor to overcrowding. To address this, he announced plans to relocate inmates convicted of federal offenses to less congested correctional centres.
“There are correctional centres with an occupancy rate of 30% or 40%, while others are at 200% capacity. We need to critically assess and redistribute inmates to achieve a more balanced population across centres,” Tunji-Ojo explained. He also highlighted the need to focus on non-custodial measures as a long-term solution to the problem of overcrowding, emphasizing that the current situation requires immediate and substantial action.
The minister further pointed out that 65% of inmates are awaiting trial, which contributes significantly to prison congestion. He called for immediate attention to this issue as part of the strategy to decongest correctional centres.
Additionally, Tunji-Ojo revealed that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had approved the establishment of a National Paramilitary Academy to train correctional officers, a step that will support the reform process and improve the service’s capabilities.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Interior and Chairman of the investigative panel, expressed appreciation for the minister’s commitment to justice and reform in the NCoS. She emphasized that the panel’s role is to conduct an independent and thorough inquiry into the allegations of corruption and other violations, with the goal of ensuring accountability and strengthening the correctional system.
Ajani noted that the first public hearing had revealed serious concerns regarding the treatment of persons in custody, mismanagement of correctional facilities, and violations of legal and ethical standards. She stressed the importance of the panel’s work in paving the way for meaningful, sustainable reform in the NCoS, ensuring it operates with integrity and respect for human dignity.
The panel also received support from key partners such as the National Human Rights Coalition, UNICEF, International IDEA, Civil Society Groups, and individuals dedicated to justice and correctional reform. Ajani urged all stakeholders to engage openly and courageously in the process.
In his remarks, the Acting Controller General of the NCoS, Sylvester Nwakuche, assured the panel of the service’s full cooperation and transparency during the investigation. He urged staff and invited guests to contribute their perspectives, emphasizing that their input is crucial in shaping the future of the NCoS.
(NAN)