The Nigerian government has decided to relocate 29 correctional centres across the country to improve their condition and security.
President Bola Tinubu approved this move as part of ongoing reforms in the correctional system.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced this while unveiling 39 new vehicles and five bullet-resistant guard booths for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) in Abuja.
He explained that many existing prisons, including those in Suleja and Ikoyi, have been in use for decades and no longer meet modern standards.
According to Tunji-Ojo, some of these facilities date back to the 19th century, making them outdated for current correctional needs.
He stated that the government has started the process of moving these centres to better locations.
This change aims to create a safer and more efficient correctional system for both inmates and officers.
The minister also mentioned that the government is working to improve the welfare of correctional officers.
Over the past two years, more than 50,000 paramilitary officers have been promoted, addressing long-standing issues in the system.
As part of security upgrades, NCoS has acquired new vehicles designed for transporting inmates to court.
Additionally, five bullet-resistant guard booths have been installed in high-security centres, including those in Abuja, Kuje, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Lagos.
These booths will enhance security and protect against external threats.
The Acting Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, expressed his satisfaction with these improvements.
He noted that the new vehicles and guard booths would strengthen the correctional system and ensure better handling of inmates.
While the complete list of facilities has not been publicly disclosed, several specific centres have been identified for relocation:
– Ikoyi Correctional Centre: Located in Lagos, this facility shares a boundary with a polo club, raising concerns about its urban placement.
– Apapa Correctional Centre: Also in Lagos, this centre is among those slated for relocation due to urban encroachment.
– Agodi Correctional Centre: Situated in Ibadan, this prison is notably close to a market, prompting security concerns.
– Enugu Correctional Centre: Found within a Government Reserved Area (GRA), its location is considered unsuitable for a correctional facility.
– Suleja Correctional Centre: This centre is among those identified for relocation to enhance security and operational efficiency.
