RismadarVoice Reporters
June 3, 2026
The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken a major step toward reforming Nigeria’s correctional system following the submission of the report of the Independent Investigative Panel on allegations of corruption, abuse of power, torture, and other forms of inhumane treatment within the Nigerian Correctional Service.
Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed on Wednesday that he had received the comprehensive report from the panel, which was inaugurated in November 2024 and chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani.
According to the minister, the committee spent 18 months investigating allegations against the Nigerian Correctional Service and has now provided recommendations that will guide far-reaching reforms across correctional facilities nationwide.
Tunji-Ojo said the report would serve as a blueprint for transforming correctional centres from places of incarceration into institutions focused on rehabilitation, reformation, restoration, and reintegration.
The minister highlighted what he described as significant progress in inmate rehabilitation, revealing that the rate of recidivism had dropped sharply from 11,616 inmates in 2023 to 1,382 in 2025.
He attributed the decline to deliberate rehabilitation and educational programmes introduced within correctional facilities.
According to him, 62 inmates are currently pursuing postgraduate studies, 261 are enrolled in undergraduate programmes, while 1,125 inmates are engaged in other academic pursuits. In addition, 9,582 inmates are undergoing vocational and non-formal skills training across the country.
Tunji-Ojo stressed that the correctional system must remain focused on transforming lives while ensuring public safety and adherence to the law.
“The essence of a correctional service must be transformational and corrective, ensuring compliance with the law while protecting society and restoring hope,” he said.
The minister assured that the Federal Government would move swiftly from the report stage to implementation, backed by monitoring and evaluation mechanisms designed to ensure meaningful and lasting reforms.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to eliminating corruption, discrimination, and dehumanising practices within correctional facilities.
“Never again should our correctional centres be associated with dehumanisation, corruption, or discrimination. They must become places where lives are rebuilt and inmates are prepared as valuable assets for the growth and development of our dear nation,” Tunji-Ojo stated.
