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Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo
The Federal Government has directed the Nigerian Correctional Service to prioritise inmate rehabilitation, reform, and respect for human rights in its operations.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, issued the directive in Abuja on Monday at the opening of a two-day performance contract signing retreat for the Interior Ministry and heads of its paramilitary agencies.
The event, themed “United Front for a Secure Nation and Future,”brought together key agencies under the Ministry, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Federal Fire Service, the NCoS, the National Identity Management Commission, and the Civil Defence Correctional Fire and Immigration Board.
Addressing recent reports of abuse within some custodial centres, Tunji-Ojo emphasised the importance of upholding the reputation of correctional institutions.
“As I always say, I will never defend you when it comes to issues of reputation and management or matters of correctional institution development,” he stated.
“However, as a minister, we will take responsibility and strive to be better. That’s what is important.”
Tunji-Ojo highlighted the essential role of correctional centres in the nation’s security framework, insisting that they must be places of hope and transformation.
“The Nigerian Correctional Service should be a place where hopes are renewed, not a place where hopes are truncated. You must transform from mere prisons to genuine correctional centres—a place of rehabilitation and transformation. That is key,” he said.
On respecting human rights, the minister reminded the correctional service management of its duty to ensure that inmates’ rights are upheld and that detainees are treated with dignity.
He urged all paramilitary agencies under the ministry to enhance their commitment to their mandates, stressing that each plays a vital role in national security and the protection of lives and property.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani, described the retreat as more than a formality, but a significant opportunity to reaffirm a shared sense of purpose in delivering on the Ministry’s objectives.
Ajani stated that the gathering was to evoke a covenant of accountability and a promise to deliver on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.
“Together, we are tasked with fostering an environment where every Nigerian can feel safe, protected, and empowered,” she said.
Ajani further explained that the contract documents signed at the retreat would serve as a strategic roadmap for achieving measurable impacts on national security.
“As we affix our signatures, let it symbolise our dedication—a pledge to hold ourselves accountable, foster inter-agency synergy, and maximise each agency’s impact. Through these agreements, we are not just signing our names; we are committing to tangible results,” she added
