The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has pledged to eradicate corruption in Nigeria’s correctional centres and transform them into institutions focused on rehabilitation and reintegration rather than punishment. The minister made this vow on Wednesday in Abuja during the second public hearing on alleged corruption and other violations against the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS).
Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the federal government is committed to changing the narrative of the correctional service, which has long been plagued by allegations of corruption, abuse, and neglect. He stated that the core responsibility of correctional officers is to serve as agents of rehabilitation, restoration, reformation, and correction, not condemnation.
“When condemnation takes the place of correction, then the system must have failed,” Tunji-Ojo said. “We cannot continue to do the same thing and expect different results. We must change our approach and focus on rehabilitation, empowerment, and reintegration. This is the only way we can ensure that those who are incarcerated are given a second chance to become productive members of society.”
The minister highlighted the importance of empathy and humanity in governance, stating that the way a society treats its weakest members reflects its efficiency and values. “It’s the way you handle the weakest in society that determines the efficiency of the government, and this is a government of new hope,” he said.
Tunji-Ojo assured that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to providing adequate resources and funding for the correctional service. He also stressed the need for comprehensive training and equipping of correctional officers to address the complex needs of inmates.
The minister outlined a holistic approach to rehabilitation, which includes providing inmates with access to education, vocational training, and mental health services. He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that correctional centres are safe, humane, and focused on rehabilitation.
“As I always say, this is not a government of new hopelessness, and we cannot renew a system that is not working,” Tunji-Ojo stated. “My responsibility is to move the system to the path of perpetual unhappiness for those benefiting from corruption. Governance is not just doing what people want; it’s about taking them to where they need to be.”
The minister charged the investigative committee to thoroughly examine issues of corruption, abuse, and neglect in the correctional service and to make recommendations for meaningful reform.
