The Federal Government has called for collaboration with state governments and other stakeholders to relocate custodial centres that have been overrun by urbanisation. The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this appeal during a stakeholders' engagement on the report by the Independent Panel on Alleged Corruption and Violations against the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) in Abuca on Tuesday.
The Minister noted that partnerships with state governments are crucial in relocating old custodial centres that are situated too close to residential areas. He cited several examples, including the Enugu centre, which is near the Government Reservation Area (GRA), and the Akwa Ibom centre, which is opposite the government house. In Ibadan, one of the centres is located in a market area, while the Ikoyi Polo Club shares a fence with another centre.
According to the Minister, prompt and decisive action is needed to address this issue, as the federal government cannot act alone without support from states, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders. He highlighted the need for custodial centres to serve rehabilitation, reformation, reintegration, and correction purposes.
The Minister's call for partnership to relocate custodial centres is a step in the right direction, but it remains to be seen how effectively the federal government will work with state governments to achieve this goal. The fact that 90 per cent of inmates are state offenders highlights the need for a more coordinated approach to addressing the issue of overcrowding in custodial centres. The Minister's emphasis on rehabilitation and reintegration is also welcome, but it is essential that the government follows through on its promises to ensure that custodial centres serve their intended purpose. The federal government's decision to implement non-custodial measures to decongest custodial centres is a positive development, but it is crucial that these measures are effective and do not compromise the rights of inmates. Ultimately, the success of this initiative will depend on the government's ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders and ensure that custodial centres are managed in a way that prioritises the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates.
