President Bola Tinubu has given approval for the relocation of 29 correctional centres across Nigeria as part of the government’s efforts to modernise the country’s prison system. This decision comes in response to concerns about outdated facilities that no longer meet modern standards for rehabilitation and security.
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this announcement during the commissioning of 39 newly acquired vehicles and five bullet-resistant guard booths for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) in Abuja. He noted that several correctional centres, including those in Suleja and Ikoyi, were built many decades ago and are no longer suitable for use.
“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 We cannot continue to work with such outdated infrastructure.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 further noted that the relocation is part of a broader plan to enhance the correctional system, ensuring better living conditions for inmates and improved working environments for officers. He assured Nigerians that the government is committed to reforming the sector, adding, “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.”
He also pointed out that these efforts are aimed at making Nigeria’s correctional facilities more effective in rehabilitating inmates, rather than merely serving as detention centres. The minister stated that better infrastructure would contribute to a more professional and efficient system, aligning with international standards.
As part of the government’s ongoing reforms, Tunji-Ojo noted that the welfare of correctional officers has significantly improved under President Tinubu’s administration. He revealed that more than 50,000 paramilitary officers had been promoted within the past two years, resolving long-standing issues in career progression.
He also mentioned that, for the first time in history, the promotion system in the correctional service has been overhauled, ensuring that officers receive timely advancements in their careers.
“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 explained.
The Acting Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, also spoke at the event, expressing his satisfaction with the newly acquired vehicles. He noted that these specialised vehicles would help transport inmates to and from court efficiently, ensuring a smoother legal process.
Nwakuche added that five bullet-resistant guard booths had also been installed at strategic locations, including the NCoS headquarters in Abuja and high-security prisons in Kuje, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Lagos. These booths are equipped with advanced surveillance systems to prevent external attacks and enhance security.
“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,” Nwakuche stated.
He further noted that the new fleet would help address the rising number of Awaiting Trial Persons in custody. As of February 17, 2025, the total inmate population stood at 80,066, with 66 percent 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,” he said.
Nwakuche also urged officers to use the new vehicles and guard booths responsibly while ensuring their proper maintenance.
“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.
