In a decisive move to bolster security and optimize the effectiveness of Nigeria’s correctional facilities, President Bola Tinubu has authorized the relocation of 29 prisons from urban areas. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced this initiative on February 21, during the unveiling of new operational vehicles for the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The burgeoning urbanization around correctional centers, exemplified by the Suleja and Ikoyi Correctional Centres, has triggered this critical decision. “The facilities, engulfed by commercial and residential structures, now lack the mandatory buffer zones, posing significant security threats,” explained Tunji-Ojo. The Ikoyi facility, for instance, has become dangerously embedded within the urban matrix, making it an urgent candidate for relocation.
The new policy aims to restore these correctional centers’ intended environment, facilitating rehabilitation and transformation. The Suleja Correctional Centre, less than 10 meters away from nearby buildings, underscores the need for such measures.
This development is part of President Tinubu’s broader vision to redefine Nigeria’s correctional services. By relocating these facilities to less populated areas, the government seeks to create safer and more conducive spaces for inmate reformation. The initiative also emphasizes compliance with legal stipulations, ensuring the correctional centers are law-abiding entities that adhere strictly to necessary regulations.
As Nigeria continues to evolve, this landmark decision marks a pivotal step towards a more secure and efficient correctional system, reflecting the administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law while fostering societal safety and progress.
