- President Tinubu approved the relocation of 29 correctional centres across Nigeria to modernise and improve facilities
- The relocation was part of the government's ongoing plan to address outdated infrastructure in custodial centres
- Suleja, Ikoyi, Agodi, and other correctional centres were earmarked for relocation due to urbanisation and decay
President Bola Tinubu has approved the relocation of 29 correctional centres nationwide as part of efforts to modernise the country’s custodial facilities.
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, confirmed the approval during the commissioning of 39 newly acquired vehicles and five bullet-resistant guard booths for the Nigerian Correctional Service in Abuja on Friday, February 21.
Expanding correctional structures part of Tinubu’s agenda
Tunji-Ojo explained that the decision to relocate the facilities was in line with the federal government’s ongoing initiative to improve the nation’s correctional infrastructure.
“The ongoing expansion of structures of the correctional facilities across the country is part of the renewed hope agenda of Mr. President,” he stated.
He added “There are 256 correctional facilities across the country. The Suleja medium security custodial was established as far back as 1914, and urbanisation has caught up with many of the custodial centres.”
He highlighted that many of the existing facilities, including those in Suleja, Niger State, and Ikoyi, Lagos, were outdated and in need of significant upgrades.
Relocation of Ikoyi, Suleja, Enugu, other centres confirmed
Recall that 118 inmates escaped from the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre in April 2024, which was triggered by a heavy downpour that damaged parts of the facility, including its perimeter fence.
Speaking further, the Minister said, “So, there are plans to relocate 29 out of the 256 custodial centres in the country. President Bola Tinubu inherited some of these liabilities, and he is not running away from addressing the challenges.
“For instance, the custodial centres in Agodi, Ibadan, Ikoyi maximum, Enugu, Akwa Ibom and Suleja would be relocated because urbanisation has caught up with them.
“We have to solve these problems one by one, and I want to assure you that the process of relocating these correctional centres has already started. We are making progress.
“We are not yet where we need to be, but we are certainly not where we were.”
“I will never defend you”: FG directs NCoS to prioritise inmate rehabilitation, human rights
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Federal Government mandated Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to enhance rehabilitation efforts and human rights protection.
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo explained the importance of maintaining the integrity of correctional institutions.