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Torkwase Nyiekaa
The House of Representatives Committee on Reformatory Institutions has called for a prompt and comprehensive overhaul of infrastructure across correctional facilities in the country.
The call was made by the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Chinedu Ogah, during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja. Ogah emphasized the importance of aligning Nigeria’s custodial system with global standards as part of ongoing reforms.
He expressed confidence in the current efforts to revamp the correctional system, particularly in areas like reducing inmate congestion and improving feeding conditions.
According to Ogah, the committee has evaluated various initiatives underway in the correctional sector and found a pressing need for infrastructural acceleration to complement these reforms.
He said the visit formed part of the committee’s legislative oversight responsibilities, aimed at ensuring that national policies meet international benchmarks.
Commending both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Interior, Ogah lauded their dedication to addressing long-standing deficiencies in custodial infrastructure and enhancing inmate welfare.
“This is beyond routine oversight; it is a conscious initiative to recognize the impactful leadership of the Interior Minister and the tangible improvements made under his administration,” he stated.
Ogah further noted that the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda is making a noticeable impact in the rehabilitation and modernization of Nigeria’s reformatory institutions.
He said this positive shift has not only improved the perception of Nigeria’s correctional system on the international stage but has also led to visible upgrades in infrastructure and greater attention to inmate rehabilitation.
“We are here to commend the Minister’s innovative leadership. The strides being made under this administration demonstrate intent and purpose. There is now a renewed sense of dignity and global recognition for the Nigerian correctional system,” he said.
He also applauded President Tinubu for appointing result-driven individuals like Hon. Tunji-Ojo and Chief of Staff Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, stating that their wealth of experience and commitment to implementation have strengthened the credibility of the ministry’s initiatives.
In his response, Minister Tunji-Ojo highlighted that the reform process is anchored on strategic data rather than emotions or politics.
He noted that decisions concerning the location of new correctional centres should be informed by population distribution and security assessments, not political influence.
Dispelling the notion that all correctional facilities are overcrowded, the minister explained that some centres operate below capacity, which calls for a more nuanced approach to planning and funding.
He emphasized that the government’s strategy extends beyond merely decongesting prisons. Quality infrastructural upgrades are in progress, he said, citing the Kuje Custodial Centre as an example, where surgeries have been successfully carried out thanks to modern medical equipment and a functional laboratory.
Tunji-Ojo also disclosed that President Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 50 doctors and 100 nurses to strengthen healthcare services in correctional centres. Additionally, all National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) medical personnel will be posted to these facilities to improve access to care.
The minister further revealed that the President has approved an increase in the daily feeding allowance for inmates, part of broader efforts to promote dignity and genuine rehabilitation.
He noted that thousands of inmates are now enrolled in vocational training and life-skills programmes, marking a transition from punitive incarceration to a more reformative and reintegrative approach.
Speaking on custodial centre siting, Tunji-Ojo warned against unsafe locations.
“A facility located in a valley surrounded by unoccupied hills presents a grave security risk. Attackers can gain higher ground, making it easier to breach our defences,” he explained.
He called on legislators to continue supporting laws that promote non-custodial sentencing, encourage state-federal collaboration, and allocate funds for the strategic development of new facilities.
The minister also announced that recruitment had commenced across several key agencies under his ministry, including the Nigeria Correctional Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and the Federal Fire Service.
According to him, the application portal is now live for qualified Nigerians to apply.
In conclusion, the lawmakers pledged their support for the ministry’s reforms and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring Nigeria’s correctional institutions meet international standards.
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