The Federal Government has hinted at plans to reduce the number of custodial centres in Nigeria, noting that the current 256 facilities are not sustainable.
Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, gave the indication in Abuja at a public hearing on alleged corruption and abuses within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).
He emphasised the need for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s correctional service, stressing that the treatment of the weakest members of society is a reflection of the government’s effectiveness.
According to him, many facilities operate at only 30-40 percent capacity, while others are overcrowded.
He revealed that the government has planned to redistribute inmates convicted of federal offences to less congested facilities for better management.
He emphasised that excessive custodial centres increase supervision challenges, leading to potential abuse.
Tunji-Ojo also called for psychological evaluations for correctional officers, highlighting that humane treatment of inmates is a key measure of governance effectiveness.
Speaking at the public hearing of the Independent Investigation Panel on the alleged corruption, abuse of power, torture, cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment against the Nigeria Correctional Service, the Minister highlighted several key areas that require reform, including the need to reduce the number of correctional centres, address overcrowding, and provide alternative measures to incarceration.
He also emphasised the importance of treating inmates with dignity and respect, and providing them with opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
The Minister charged the investigation panel to provide solutions and timelines for implementation, rather than just identifying problems.
He assured the panel of his support and commitment to implementing the necessary reforms to restore hope and dignity to the correctional service and the nation as a whole.
Earlier in her address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani, welcomed stakeholders to the second public hearing of the independent investigative panel on alleged corruption and other violations against the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The panel, established in response to growing concerns about alleged corruption, human rights violations, and systemic irregularities within the Nigerian Correctional Service, aimed to conduct an independent, fair, and thorough inquiry into these allegations.
Dr Ajani expressed gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his commitment to justice, transparency, and reform within the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The first public hearing revealed serious concerns regarding the treatment of persons in custody, management of correctional facilities, and breaches of legal and ethical standards.
As the second public hearing commenced, the panel reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the voices of victims, affected families, and concerned stakeholders were heard and that justice was served.
The findings and recommendations from this inquiry would serve as a foundation for meaningful reform, ensuring courage, and a shared commitment to the truth.
ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNEÂ
and then