President Bola Tinubu has authorised the relocation of 29 correctional centres across Nigeria as part of efforts to modernise the country’s outdated penal infrastructure.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during the commissioning of new security vehicles and bullet-resistant guard booths for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) in Abuja on Friday.
Tunji-Ojo highlighted the age of many facilities, such as the Suleja Prison, built in 1914, and Ikoyi Prison, established in 1956, stressing that the current infrastructure no longer meets modern standards.
“We can no longer operate with these outdated facilities. The relocation of 29 centres will improve security and conditions for both officers and inmates,” Tunji-Ojo stated.
The relocation is part of the government’s broader effort to address challenges in the correctional system, enhancing both security and rehabilitative functions across the country.
