FG suggests the possibility of closing certain prisons.
ABUJA: On Tuesday, the Federal Government indicated its intention to decrease the number of custodial facilities in the nation, asserting that Nigeria does not require the existing total of 256.
The government highlighted that certain facilities are operating at only 30 to 40 percent of their capacity, emphasizing the necessity to identify inmates charged with federal offenses for potential redistribution among custodial facilities, as every state is served by a Federal High Court.
Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, made this announcement during a session in Abuja titled “Public Hearing on Alleged Corruption and other Violations against the Nigerian Correctional Service,” which was organized by the Independent Investigative Panel addressing allegations of corruption, abuse of power, torture, and inhumane treatment within the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The minister reiterated his stance against the inhumane treatment of inmates in the country’s custodial facilities, stating that such practices will not be tolerated beyond 2025.
Regarding the necessity of 256 custodial centers, the minister addressed the committee and stakeholders, stating, “How many correctional centers do we truly require? This is a critical aspect for your consideration in Nigeria.
“Realistically, do we need the 256 correctional centers currently in operation? The answer is no, as an increased number of facilities leads to greater pressure and challenges in supervision and control. When supervision and control are compromised, abuse becomes unavoidable.
“In many regions today, there are correctional centers with capacities of 3,000. We must assess our actual needs.
“Furthermore, even with our current facilities, some are overcrowded while others are underpopulated. For those convicted of federal offenses, federal jurisdiction applies universally, as federal high courts are present in every state.”
A critical examination of all correctional facilities is necessary, particularly regarding inmates convicted of federal offenses, with the aim of relocating them to less crowded institutions. It is surprising to note that some facilities operate at only 30% to 40% capacity, while others are overpopulated by as much as 200%. This situation prompts the question of how we can address these disparities. We believe that immediate actions can yield short-term benefits, allowing us to alleviate overcrowding effectively, he remarked.
Inhumane treatment
The minister emphasized that we are in the year 2025, not 1825, and it is imperative to initiate psychological assessments for personnel within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). He asserted that a government should be evaluated not by its treatment of the strong, but by how it cares for the most vulnerable.
"The manner in which we treat the weakest members of society is a true measure of governmental effectiveness. Under the leadership of Mr. President, we have chosen to reject the status quo and embrace a transformative approach.
"The time has passed when incarceration was synonymous with mere punishment and condemnation. This is 2025, not 1825. We must afford individuals respect, irrespective of their circumstances. Being in a correctional facility does not diminish one's humanity.
"Comprehensive reforms are essential, extending beyond infrastructure and strategic changes, to encompass the operations of our correctional institutions. The primary role of a correctional officer should be to facilitate rehabilitation, restoration, reformation, and correction, rather than to perpetuate condemnation.
"The loss of freedom for an inmate does not equate to a loss of dignity. It is our duty to uphold the dignity of even the most marginalized individuals in our society."
When condemnation replaces correction, it indicates a failure within the system. This committee bears significant responsibility. The foremost duty is for each member to engage in self-reflection and address their own issues; otherwise, these issues may spread. The mental well-being of our correctional officers is crucial. It is essential that many of them undergo psychological evaluations, and I say this with the utmost respect. A person tasked with managing individuals who already feel marginalized must possess a sound psychological state, and I assert this without reservation. There are individuals who, even if they do not receive support at home, may take out their frustrations on others. This is a reality. If they go to bed troubled and unable to find rest, the next individual who suffers is the very person whom the system and institution are meant to safeguard. When those who are meant to be protected become targets, it signals a serious issue, and that is the situation we currently face.
