By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka, Abuja
Participants at a high-level stakeholders’ engagement have recommended a series of reforms to address systemic challenges affecting Nigeria’s correctional system. The Ministry of Interior has on Tuesday organized an event to that effect in Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
The recommendations came out of the Stakeholders Engagement for the Presentations and Validation of the Reports of the Independent Investigative Panel on Alleged Corruption and Other Violations against the Nigerian Correctional Service.
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The stakeholders acknowledged that overcrowding, prolonged pre-trial detention, and gaps in the implementation of legal frameworks are some of the challenges facing the system.
There was broad consensus on the need for sustained, collaborative reforms across institutions to address these challenges.
Key among the recommendations were expansion of non-custodial measures, improved access to justice, protection of vulnerable groups, particularly children, strengthening of oversight and accountability mechanisms, and enhanced welfare and working conditions for correctional personnel.
The report of the alleged anomalies in the Correctional Services was presented at the event, convened by the Ministry of Interior.
In his keynote address, Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, emphasized that the decision to establish the panel was guided by a deliberate choice to undertake a thorough and honest assessment of the issues.
The panel, inaugurated on November 24, 2024, concluded its assignment after 16 months of rigorous investigation, stakeholder engagement, and analysis.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo in his keynote address, stated that the work of the panel represents a significant step toward strengthening transparency, accountability, and institutional integrity within the correctional system.
The investigation was initiated in response to serious allegations, including corruption, abuse of authority, and human rights violations within correctional facilities.
The findings underscore the urgent need to align the operations of the Service with principles of justice, professionalism, and respect for human dignity.
The Minister emphasized that correctional facilities must evolve beyond custodial roles to become centres of reformation, rehabilitation, reintegration, and societal transformation.
Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, commended the Minister for his leadership in facilitating the process and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding human rights through strengthened institutional frameworks.
The stakeholders resolved to build a correctional system that is humane, efficient, transparent, and aligned with national priorities and international human rights standards.
