In a significant move to modernize Nigeria’s correctional infrastructure, President Bola Tinubu has approved the relocation of 29 correctional centers, commonly known as prisons, from densely populated urban areas across the country.
This decision was unveiled by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during the commissioning of 39 newly acquired vehicles and five bullet-resistant guard booths for the Nigerian Correctional Service in Abuja on Friday.
Tunji-Ojo detailed that several correctional facilities, including the Suleja and Ikoyi centers, are outdated, with some dating back to the 1950s and even the 19th century. He cited the Suleja Correctional Center, established in 1950, and the Ikoyi center, established in 1956, as prime examples of the aging infrastructure. “We can no longer work with these outdated structures,” he said, underscoring the need for modernization.
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The relocation is part of a broader initiative to overhaul the country’s correctional system, with a focus on improving conditions for both correctional officers and inmates. Tunji-Ojo assured that the relocation process has already begun and will form a key part of the government’s ongoing reform efforts.
In addition, the Minister revealed that over 50,000 paramilitary officers had been promoted within the last 24 months, marking another step in the reform of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
Acting Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, stated that the newly acquired vehicles would be allocated to commands based on operational requirements, further enhancing the operational capacity of the service.
The relocation and modernization initiative aims to resolve many of the infrastructural challenges currently faced by the correctional system and is expected to create a more efficient and humane framework for corrections in Nigeria.
