The Federal Government says it has begun an audit of convicts in the country’s 256 Custodial Centres with the goal of decongesting them.
Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, made the announcement following an inspection of the ongoing 3,000-capacity Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Janguza, Kano State, and the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje, Abuja.
When asked about the inmate audit, he stated, “That is still ongoing, but the good news for me is that we completed a facility audit earlier, and we can see that the result of the facility audit is how we are interfering. So we take a really empirical and scientific approach.
We don’t just throw remedies at situations that are unknown. We identify problems, determine their core causes, and then find solutions. So, the audit system is based on actual data. It is scientific, and it will significantly reduce the congestion in our custodial centres. It is not simply stating that you want to decongest. It is important that you know the status. Life is all about data. Data is the new oil.
Data is the lifeblood of this millennium. The audit is currently underway, and once completed, you will be able to observe the extent of decongestion that will come from the audit. So, we are simply being empirical.”
At the Kuje facility, the minister received a gift of three novels written by one of the inmates who had been in custody for the previous 12 years.
Tunji-Ojo, who was overjoyed, stated that the facilities are no longer prisons, but correctional centres for mending the legitimately interned.
What they’re saying
“We were in Kano to inspect the 3,000-capacity Maximum Security Custodial Centre, which is currently under construction. It is about the Administration’s engagement in our Custodial Centres, and I can assure you that work is still ongoing. We are not where we want to be, but we are definitely not where we were. So, it’s a work in progress.
“And here in Kuje, this is just one of the numerous Custodial Centres that we are now refurbishing, and as you can see, all of the perimeter fence has been completed. They’re all concrete. All of the security infrastructure, which I cannot discuss in public, has been put in place, and when it comes to welfare, the cells have all been rebuilt, there are more facilities, and the atmosphere is pleasant.You can see for yourself that this is not the Kuje facility that you are used to.
“Clearly, Renewed Hope is on track.President Bola Tinubu is working on our Custodial Centres, and not to mention that a young guy, one of the convicts, today gave me three books written by him. He’s been here for about 12 years, has completed his first degree at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), his Masters Degree, and is about to begin his PhD.
“That is the amazing story about Nigeria that I would like everyone to see.This demonstrates that our Custodial Centres are no longer considered ‘prisons’. They are now correctional. They are transformative. They are reformatory institutions, and Nigerians may be certain that the Renewed Hope Agenda does not only benefit the most powerful members of society. It brings out both the strongest and the weakest in our society.
“Work is still being done on the Suleja Custodial Centre, and a manhunt is still underway to apprehend the few surviving inmates. Work is still proceeding, including the construction of a new complex beside the existing structures. It is not just about Suleja, which is one of 256 Custodial Centres that we have; this Administration inherited 256 centres that required renovation, as seen by what we have done here and in so many of our centres. We are intervening and developing larger, more modern facilities.
“The Correctional Service is in need of assistance, and the government is doing all possible to ensure that we can provide solutions to the majority of these issues.
“Do not forget that many of these centres were created during the Colonial era.Some of these institutions are 60 to more than 100 years old. So, President Tinubu did not become president a century ago, but he recognises his role and is intervening to ensure that he does not pass on a flawed system to the next generation,” he added.
Why this matters?
- Improved conditions: Reduced overcrowding can improve sanitation, healthcare, and safety within prisons.
- Rehabilitation focus: Less crowded prisons allow for more effective rehabilitation programs, helping inmates reintegrate into society.
- Reduced crime: Effective rehabilitation can decrease recidivism rates, leading to a safer society.
Final Thoughts
Prison overcrowding is a significant problem in Nigeria, leading to poor conditions and hindering rehabilitation efforts.The audit will address this by identifying the root causes of overcrowding and implementing targeted solutions.
