The Federal Government has revealed plans to reduce the number of correctional facilities in Nigeria, stating that the country does not need all 256 custodial centers currently in operation.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this known on Tuesday during a public hearing on alleged corruption and abuse within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). He emphasized that many prisons operate at just 30-40% capacity, while others are overcrowded at nearly 200%.
“Too Many Prisons, Too Little Supervision”
Tunji-Ojo pointed out that having too many correctional facilities strains supervision and control, which can lead to abuse. He suggested redistributing inmates convicted of federal offenses to less crowded facilities as a short-term solution.
“This is 2025, Not 1825” – Calls for Humane Treatment of Inmates
The minister also condemned the mistreatment of prisoners, stressing that incarceration should focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
“The era when a correctional center was just a place of condemnation is over. A man losing his freedom does not mean he should lose his dignity,” he said.
He further called for psychological evaluations of correctional officers to ensure they handle inmates with fairness and professionalism.
The Federal Government is expected to conduct a full review of the prison system and implement structural reforms to improve conditions and efficiency.
