By Olaitan Ibrahim
President Bola Tinubu has approved the relocation of 29 correctional centres across Nigeria as part of efforts to modernise the nation’s custodial facilities.
Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the decision on Friday in Abuja during the commissioning of 39 newly acquired vehicles and five bullet-resistant guard booths for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).
“Suleja Correctional Centre was established in 1914, Ikoyi in 1956, and we even have facilities from the 19th century. We cannot continue to work with such outdated infrastructure,” Tunji-Ojo said.
“President Tinubu has graciously approved for us to start the process of relocating 29 correctional centres,” he stated.
He assured the public that the relocation process had already begun, emphasising that the move would improve conditions for both inmates and correctional officers.
The Punch reports that the minister also highlighted ongoing reforms in the correctional service, including improved welfare and promotions for officers.
“We are making progress. We are not yet where we need to be, but we are certainly not where we were,” he stated.
Acting Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, praised the new acquisitions, including vehicles designed to facilitate inmate transportation to courts.
“With this strengthened fleet, we are poised to improve court attendance, contributing to the swift administration of justice and the decongestion of correctional facilities,” Nwakuche said.
He also lauded the addition of bullet-resistant guard booths at high-security custodial centres in Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Lagos, enhancing security against external threats.
The new measures align with the government’s broader vision of repositioning the NCoS for greater efficiency and compliance with international best practices.