In a move that signals a major shift in Nigeria’s approach to prison reform, President Bola Tinubu has officially approved the relocation of 29 correctional centres across the country, marking a critical step in modernising the country’s outdated custodial infrastructure. The announcement, confirmed by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during a commissioning event in Abuja on Friday, underscores the administration’s commitment to improving the nation’s correctional facilities and addressing the long-standing issues within the system.
A New Chapter in Nigeria’s Correctional System
Dr. Tunji-Ojo, who was speaking at the unveiling of 39 newly acquired vehicles and five bullet-resistant guard booths for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), explained that the need for the relocation of the 29 correctional centres stems from the crumbling state of several existing facilities. He pointed out that many of the correctional centres, such as those in Suleja (established in 1914) and Ikoyi (1956), were constructed during the colonial era and have long been incapable of meeting the demands of modern-day correctional practices.
“Suleja Correctional Centre was established in 1914, Ikoyi in 1956, and we even have facilities from the 19th century,” the Minister noted. “We cannot continue to operate with such outdated infrastructure. It is high time we took bold steps to provide safer, more efficient environments for both officers and inmates.”
The relocation of these centres is part of a broader initiative that aims to reduce overcrowding, improve security, and foster rehabilitation within Nigeria’s correctional facilities. It also forms a critical aspect of Tinubu’s wider reform agenda, which includes updating the conditions of Nigerian prisons, addressing the welfare of correctional officers, and ensuring the rights and well-being of inmates.
Overcoming the Challenges of Old Infrastructure
The issue of outdated facilities has long plagued Nigeria’s correctional system, with many centres facing severe overcrowding, inadequate medical facilities, and poor living conditions for inmates. According to the NCoS, as of mid-February 2025, the country’s correctional facilities are holding 80,066 inmates, with over 66% of them being pretrial detainees—highlighting the severe strain on the system.
“The relocation is essential,” Dr. Tunji-Ojo said. “We are addressing the infrastructural issues that have hindered the effectiveness of the correctional system. The old facilities can no longer support the vision of a rehabilitative and modern correctional system that we seek.”
The decision to relocate these correctional centres is a crucial part of a larger overhaul. New facilities will be built in more rural and less densely populated areas, moving away from the urban centres that have become prone to security risks due to the proximity to densely packed populations.
“We are not just relocating these centres,” Tunji-Ojo emphasized. “We are creating a new model of correctional services that will be more efficient, secure, and rehabilitative. It’s about building a system that works for everyone—officers, inmates, and the general public.”
Reforming the Correctional System Beyond Infrastructure
The relocation of these correctional centres is only one part of a much larger reform process. Tunji-Ojo and other officials have outlined a broader vision for the professionalization of Nigeria’s paramilitary and correctional services. According to the Minister, there has been significant progress in improving the welfare of correctional officers, including the promotion of over 50,000 paramilitary personnel in the last two years.
“This government is committed to addressing long-standing issues within the Nigerian Correctional Service, particularly in the area of officer promotions and career progression,” Tunji-Ojo remarked. He added that the promotion system within the NCoS had undergone a complete overhaul to ensure timely career advancement for officers.
Furthermore, the Minister stressed that the country’s correctional services must evolve to focus not only on punishment but also rehabilitation. “We are working towards a correctional system where officers are well-trained, where rehabilitation is a key part of the mission, and where the system works to reintegrate individuals into society.”
Enhancing Security and Efficiency
In a related development, the NCoS also unveiled a fleet of 39 newly acquired vehicles, designed to transport inmates securely and efficiently to and from courts. This addition is crucial to improving the timeliness and effectiveness of court appearances, a long-standing challenge in Nigeria’s justice system.
The Acting Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, explained that the new vehicles, which will be distributed to various commands across the country, would significantly enhance the ability of the NCoS to meet the legal requirement for transporting inmates to court hearings.
“This new fleet will not only increase the efficiency of the NCoS but will also help address the critical issue of Awaiting Trial Persons (ATPs) in our custody,” Nwakuche said. “With the new vehicles, we will be able to ensure that inmates are produced in court on time, and that will go a long way in speeding up the judicial process and decongesting our facilities.”
The new acquisition also includes five bullet-resistant guard booths, strategically stationed at key high-security custodial centres, including those in Kuje, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Lagos. These booths are equipped with surveillance capabilities and are designed to withstand heavy weaponry and explosives, ensuring the protection of inmates and staff against potential attacks.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Commitment to Reform
While the relocation of 29 correctional centres is a significant step, the process will not be without its challenges. The successful relocation will depend on several factors, including securing adequate funding, ensuring that new facilities meet modern standards, and handling the logistics of moving inmates without compromising security.
Nonetheless, the government has expressed a strong commitment to completing the process and ensuring the reform agenda moves forward. Dr. Tunji-Ojo assured the public that the relocation of the correctional centres has already begun, and work on the new facilities is set to start in the coming months.
“We are determined to create a more efficient, rehabilitative, and secure correctional system in Nigeria,” the Minister concluded. “It’s a process, and we are committed to it. Change is happening, and we are seeing results. This is just the beginning.”
In conclusion, the relocation of 29 correctional centres is a landmark development in Nigeria’s ongoing prison reform efforts. With the commitment of the government and the support of the Nigerian Correctional Service, this move is set to mark a new chapter in the country’s journey toward a more modern and effective correctional system.
