President Bola Tinubu has approved the relocation of 29 correctional centres across the country as part of ongoing efforts to modernise the nation?s custodial facilities.

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, confirmed this development 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the existing correctional facilities, such as those in Suleja and Ikoyi, were established in the 19th century and are outdated.

?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 We cannot continue to work with such outdated infrastructure.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 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.?

Tunji-Ojo further noted that this move is essential for creating a more effective and rehabilitative correctional system, as the current facilities no longer meet modern standards.

The minister also spoke about ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of correctional officers.

?We are making progress. We are not yet where we need to be, but we are certainly not where we were,? he stated, referencing significant improvements in officer promotions and welfare.

He added that relocating the correctional centres would further enhance the government?s broader reform agenda, which includes better conditions for both inmates and officers.

The minister highlighted the significant improvements made under President Tinubu?s administration regarding the welfare of correctional officers.

He explained that in the past two years, more than ?50,000 paramilitary officers have been promoted,? addressing long-standing issues in the promotion system.

He added that, for the first time in history, the promotion system within the service had undergone a complete overhaul, with officers now experiencing timely career progression.

Tunji-Ojo also spoke about the broader vision for the future of Nigeria?s paramilitary and correctional services. ?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.

He emphasised the importance of professionalising correctional services, noting that recruitment practices should be rigorous and in line with international standards.

?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,? the minister added.

In his address, the Acting Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, expressed his enthusiasm for the new acquisitions, which include specialised vehicles for transporting inmates to and from courts.

The vehicles will be distributed to various commands based on operational needs and demand.

In addition to the escort vehicles, the NCoS also unveiled five bullet-resistant guard booths.

These booths, stationed at strategic locations, including the National Headquarters in Abuja and several high-security custodial centres in Kuje, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Lagos, are designed to secure facilities against external attacks.

Equipped with long-range surveillance capabilities, the booths offer resistance to high-level threats, including heavy weaponry and explosives.

?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. As clearly outlined in the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, one of our core functions is the ?conveyance of remand persons to and from courts in motorised formations.?

?These new additions to our fleet will significantly bolster our capacity to meet this critical aspect of our mandate,? Nwakuche added.

Nwakuche also highlighted the significance of the new fleet in addressing the growing issue of Awaiting Trial Persons in custody. As of February 17, 2025, the NCoS reported a total inmate population of 80,066, with 66 per cent 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.

?This development aligns perfectly with the broader vision of the Federal Government to reposition the Nigerian Correctional Service for enhanced efficiency, professionalism, and compliance with international best practices,? he said.

The Acting Controller-General also extended his appreciation to NCoS officers for their professionalism and dedication, urging them to ensure the responsible use and regular maintenance of the new vehicles and guard booths.

?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. (The PUNCH)

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