The House of Representatives Committee on Reformatory Institutions has called on the Federal Government to urgently improve the infrastructure of correctional centres across Nigeria to align with international best practices.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja on Friday, Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Chinedu Ogah, commended ongoing reforms in the nation’s correctional facilities but emphasized the urgent need for structural upgrades.
“We have visited several correctional facilities across the country, and while we commend the reforms being implemented, there is a pressing need for infrastructural development,” Ogah stated.
“The overcrowding, poor feeding systems, and outdated structures are challenges that must be addressed if we are to achieve real reform.”
Ogah, who represents the Iwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State, lauded the Minister’s leadership, describing his approach as intentional and strategic. He also noted that the Tinubu-led administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda is beginning to reflect positively in the rehabilitation and operations of correctional institutions.
“Nigerians are beginning to gain more respect globally due to the visible changes in our correctional system,” he said. “We are here to applaud the Minister for the progress made and to advocate for more investment in infrastructure that can support these reforms.”
In his response, Minister Tunji-Ojo highlighted that the administration has adopted a data-driven approach to corrections management, ensuring that decisions on new custodial centres are based on population and security needs rather than political considerations.
“You don’t build a custodial centre in a valley surrounded by unowned hills—that’s a tactical error,” the Minister emphasized. “Such locations pose serious security risks to our personnel and infrastructure.”
The Minister cited the Kuje Custodial Centre as a model for what the government aims to replicate nationwide, revealing that successful surgical operations have been carried out there due to newly installed modern medical equipment and a functioning laboratory.
He further disclosed, “The President has approved the recruitment of 50 doctors and 100 nurses. In addition, all NYSC medical corps members will now serve in correctional facilities to improve healthcare delivery to inmates.”
According to the Minister, over 8,000 inmates have already been enrolled in vocational and life-skills training programmes—a move intended to shift Nigeria’s penal system from punishment to rehabilitation and reintegration.
Tunji-Ojo called on the National Assembly to enact legislation that would strengthen non-custodial sentencing options, encourage federal and state collaboration, and ensure adequate funding for new correctional centres.
He also announced that recruitment is ongoing in key security and emergency services under the ministry, including the Nigerian Correctional Service, Civil Defence Corps, Immigration Service, and Fire Service.
“The application portal is open, and we encourage qualified Nigerians to take advantage of this opportunity to serve their country,” he concluded.
