President Bola Tinubu has approved the relocation of 29 correctional centres across Nigeria to address overcrowding and outdated infrastructure in urban areas.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the decision on Friday at the commissioning of 39 newly acquired vehicles and five bullet-resistant guard booths for the Nigerian Correctional Service in Abuja.
Tunji-Ojo noted that many correctional facilities, including those in Suleja and Ikoyi, were established as far back as the 1950s and are no longer suitable for modern correctional management.
“Suleja Correctional Centre was established in 1950, Ikoyi in 1956, and we even have facilities dating back to 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 We cannot continue to work with such outdated infrastructure.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 emphasized that relocating these facilities is part of broader reforms aimed at improving conditions for inmates and correctional officers.
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He assured Nigerians that the process has already begun and that the government remains committed to transforming the correctional system.
Additionally, Tunji-Ojo highlighted ongoing improvements within the paramilitary sector, revealing that over 50,000 officers have been promoted in the last two years as part of efforts to boost morale and efficiency.
The Acting Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, also spoke at the event, stating that the newly acquired vehicles will be distributed to various commands based on operational needs and security demands.
The relocation of correctional centres marks a significant step in the federal government’s drive to modernize Nigeria’s prison system and enhance security across correctional facilities.