FG approves relocation of 29 correctional centres

President Bola Tinubu has approved relocation of 29 correctional centers across Nigeria as part of ongoing efforts to modernise the nation’s custodial facilities.

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this on Friday during the commissioning of 39 newly acquired vehicles and five bullet-resistant guard booths for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) in Abuja.

Tunji-Ojo noted that many existing correctional facilities, such as those in Suleja and Ikoyi, dated back to the 19th and 20th centuries are no longer suitable for modern correctional practices.

“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 We cannot continue to work with such outdated infrastructure.

“The President has graciously approved for us to start the process of relocating 29 correctional centres,” he stated.

The minister emphasised the urgent need to modernise the correctional system, stating that the relocation initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance conditions for both correctional officers and inmates.

“We have to solve these problems one by one, and I want to assure you that the process of relocating these correctional centres has already started,” Tunji-Ojo said.

He also highlighted the government’s commitment to comprehensive reforms aimed at making the correctional system more effective and rehabilitative.

“We are making progress. We are not yet where we need to be, but we are certainly not where we were,” he stated, referencing significant improvements in officer promotions and welfare.

According to the minister, over the past two years, more than “50,000 paramilitary officers have been promoted,” addressing longstanding challenges in career advancement.

“For the first time in history, the promotion system within the service has undergone a complete overhaul, ensuring timely career progression for officers,” he added.

Tunji-Ojo also outlined a vision for Nigeria’s paramilitary and correctional services, emphasising the need to place them at the centre of internal security efforts.

“We are building a system where the paramilitary will be at the centre of internal security in Nigeria. This is a function of capacity, and capacity is a function of knowledge acquisition,” he said.

He stressed the importance of professionalising correctional services through rigorous recruitment and training in line with international standards.

“We are encouraging our officers and ensuring that they are properly trained. But beyond that, we must ensure that the correctional system is not just about punishment but also about rehabilitation and transformation,” the minister added.

Speaking at the event, the Acting Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, expressed enthusiasm for the newly acquired vehicles, which include specialised units for transporting inmates to and from the court.

“These new additions to our fleet will significantly bolster our capacity to meet this critical aspect of our mandate,” Nwakuche stated.

The vehicles will be distributed to various commands based on operational needs while five bullet-resistant guard booths will be deployed to strategic locations, including the National Headquarters in Abuja and high-security custodial centres in Kuje, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Lagos.

Equipped with long-range surveillance capabilities, the booths are designed to withstand high-level threats, including heavy weaponry and explosives.

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“The acquisition of these vehicles directly responds to the evolving challenges faced by the NCoS, particularly in ensuring the timely production of inmates in courts. As clearly outlined in the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, one of our core functions is the ‘conveyance of remand persons to and from courts in motorised formations,’” Nwakuche said.

He further highlighted that the strengthened fleet would help address the growing issue of Awaiting Trial Persons in custody. As of February 17, 2025, the NCoS reported an inmate population of 80,066, with 66 per cent being pretrial detainees.

“With this strengthened fleet, we are poised to improve court attendance, thus playing our part in the swift administration of justice and contributing to the overall decongestion of our correctional facilities.

“This development aligns perfectly with the broader vision of the Federal Government to reposition the Nigerian Correctional Service for enhanced efficiency, professionalism, and compliance with international best practices,” he added.

Nwakuche also commended NCoS officers for their professionalism and dedication, urging them to ensure the responsible use and maintenance of the new vehicles and guard booths.

“Let us continue to discharge our duties with dedication, integrity, and professionalism. Together, we can build a correctional system that reflects the values of justice, security, and humanity,” he concluded.