The Federal Government has announced plans to relocate the Ikoyi Correctional Centre and other correctional facilities across the country.
This decision was made public by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during a visit to the Ikoyi prison in Lagos on Monday.
According to the minister, the rapid urbanization of the area has made it necessary to relocate the facility. He noted that the prison, which was initially built to accommodate a smaller population, is now surrounded by residential and commercial buildings, posing a security threat.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the lack of a sufficient buffer zone, as stipulated in the constitution, is a major concern.
The minister’s statement suggests that the government is prioritizing the need for modern and secure correctional facilities that can meet the demands of a growing population and urban landscape.
The proposed relocation according to him aims to address the challenges posed by the prison’s current location and ensure a safer and more efficient management of correctional services.
The Ikoyi Correctional Centre, which was established in 1955, has a capacity of 1,700 inmates but currently holds over 3,000 prisoners, leading to overcrowding and inadequate facilities. The relocation of the prison is expected to address these issues and provide a more conducive environment for rehabilitation and correction.
