The House of Representatives Committee on Reformatory Institutions has called on the Federal Government to expedite the upgrade of infrastructure in correctional centres across Nigeria, citing the urgent need to complement ongoing reforms in the sector.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Friday in Abuja, Committee Chairman Hon. Chinedu Ogah commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for implementing strategic reforms aimed at addressing overcrowding, inmate welfare, and rehabilitation.
Ogah, who represents Iwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency in Ebonyi State, noted that a nationwide tour of correctional centres revealed the pressing need for infrastructural development to match the federal government’s policy direction.
“We came not just for oversight but to commend the Minister for his innovative and impactful leadership,” Ogah said. “Visible progress is being made, and Nigerians are regaining confidence in the correctional system. However, infrastructure remains a critical area that requires immediate attention.”
The lawmaker further emphasized that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration is already yielding positive results in the reformatory sector, with improved international perception and support for inmate rehabilitation.
In his response, Minister Tunji-Ojo assured the committee that the federal government is fully committed to transforming correctional services. He highlighted the adoption of data-driven, digital systems, citing ongoing upgrades such as the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja, which now boasts a fully operational medical laboratory and modern surgical facilities.
“President Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 50 medical doctors and 100 nurses to strengthen healthcare services across correctional facilities,” the Minister revealed. “Additionally, all NYSC medical corps members have been deployed to correctional centres to improve access to care.”
The Minister also disclosed that thousands of inmates have been enrolled in vocational and life skills programmes—signifying a shift from punitive incarceration to rehabilitation and reintegration.
Addressing security concerns, he stressed the importance of strategic siting of facilities, warning against locating correctional centres in vulnerable terrains. “You cannot site a custodial centre in a valley surrounded by unowned hills. It presents a significant security threat,” he noted.
Tunji-Ojo called on the National Assembly to push for a legislative framework that supports non-custodial sentencing, improves federal-state collaboration, and facilitates sustainable funding for new correctional infrastructure.
He concluded by announcing the ongoing recruitment across key agencies under the ministry—including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Federal Fire Service, and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS)—with online portals now open to eligible Nigerians.
