RismadarVoice Reporters
March 25, 2026
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reforming the Nigerian Correctional Service, following the presentation and validation of a report by an independent investigative panel on alleged corruption and violations within the system.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo made this known on Tuesday at a stakeholders’ engagement held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, where the report of the panel was formally presented.
The panel, inaugurated on November 24, 2024, was set up to investigate widespread allegations that had raised concerns over transparency, accountability, and human rights conditions within correctional facilities across the country.
Speaking at the event, the Minister said the exercise marked a critical step in restoring public confidence and strengthening institutional integrity in the Correctional Service.
He noted that the panel’s findings revealed serious systemic challenges, including corruption, operational inefficiencies, poor conditions, and human rights concerns, stressing that the government would address the issues decisively.
According to him, the reform agenda will focus not only on accountability but also on improving the welfare and training of correctional officers, upgrading facilities, and promoting non-custodial measures to reduce overcrowding.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized that correctional centres must serve as institutions for reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration, rather than places of suffering, adding that inmates retain their fundamental human rights regardless of their offences.
He also disclosed that the Federal Government has already taken steps to improve inmate welfare, including an increase in feeding allowances approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The event brought together key stakeholders, including the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, as well as members of the investigative panel led by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani.
The government reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on corruption, abuse of power, and human rights violations, calling for sustained collaboration to build a correctional system that upholds justice, restores hope.
