FG Approves Relocation Of 29 Correctional Centres Across Country
President Bola Tinubu has approved relocation of 29 prisons (correctional centers) across Nigeria as part of ongoing efforts to modernise the nation’s prison facilities.
President Bola Tinubu has approved relocation of 29 prisons (correctional centers) across Nigeria as part of ongoing efforts to modernise the nation’s prison facilities.
Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, spoke during the commissioning of 39 newly acquired vehicles and five bullet-resistant guard booths for the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS, in Abuja on Friday.
The minister said that several existing prison facilities, such as those in Suleja, Enugu and Ikoyi, dated back to the 19th and 20th centuries, noting that they were no longer suitable for modern correctional practices.
His words, “The President has graciously approved for us to start the process of relocating 29 correctional centres.
Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, spoke during the commissioning of 39 newly acquired vehicles and five bullet-resistant guard booths for the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS, in Abuja on Friday.
The minister said that several existing prison facilities, such as those in Suleja, Enugu and Ikoyi, dated back to the 19th and 20th centuries, noting that they were no longer suitable for modern correctional practices.
His words, “The President has graciously approved for us to start the process of relocating 29 correctional centres.
"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 We cannot continue to work with such outdated infrastructure.
“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.
“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.
“We are making progress. We are not yet where we need to be, but we are certainly not where we were," apparently referring to significant improvements in officer promotions and welfare.
He further emphasised the urgent need to modernise the correctional system, stating that the relocation initiative was part of a broader strategy to enhance conditions for both prison warders and inmates.
He also noted the Federal Government’s commitment to comprehensive reforms aimed at making the correctional system more effective and rehabilitative, pointing out that over “50,000 paramilitary officers have been promoted,” in a bid to address longstanding challenges in career advancement.
According to Tunji- Ojo, “For the first time in history, the promotion system within the service has undergone a complete overhaul, ensuring timely career progression for officers.
He also noted the Federal Government’s commitment to comprehensive reforms aimed at making the correctional system more effective and rehabilitative, pointing out that over “50,000 paramilitary officers have been promoted,” in a bid to address longstanding challenges in career advancement.
According to Tunji- Ojo, “For the first time in history, the promotion system within the service has undergone a complete overhaul, ensuring timely career progression for officers.
“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.
“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."
He further outlined a vision for Nigeria’s paramilitary and correctional services, emphasising the need to place them at the centre of the country's internal security efforts.
Also, speaking on the occasion, the Acting Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, praised the Federal Government over the newly acquired vehicles, including specialised units for transporting inmates to and from the court, adding that, “These new additions to our fleet will significantly bolster our capacity to meet this critical aspect of our mandate.”
He further outlined a vision for Nigeria’s paramilitary and correctional services, emphasising the need to place them at the centre of the country's internal security efforts.
Also, speaking on the occasion, the Acting Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, praised the Federal Government over the newly acquired vehicles, including specialised units for transporting inmates to and from the court, adding that, “These new additions to our fleet will significantly bolster our capacity to meet this critical aspect of our mandate.”
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