President Bola Tinubu has approved the relocation of 29 correctional centres, also known as prisons, from urban areas across the country.

 

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this known on Friday 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 highlighted that many of the existing correctional facilities, such as those in Suleja and Ikoyi, were established in the 1950s and are outdated.

 

“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 We cannot continue to work with such outdated infrastructure.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 emphasised the urgent need for modernisation to improve conditions for both correctional officers and inmates, noting that the relocation is part of a larger plan to address the infrastructural challenges hindering the effectiveness of the correctional system.

 

He also reassured the public of the government’s commitment to reform, saying, “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.”

 

Speaking on promotion, he explained that in the 24 months, “more than 50,000 paramilitary officers have been promoted”.

 

On his part, the Acting Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, said the new vehicles will be distributed to various commands based on operational needs and demand.