By Bukola Kayode
Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo had disclosed the approval by the Federal Government for the relocation of 29 custodial centres.
He made the disclosure on Friday in Abuja during the commissioning of 39 mini green maria for the conveyance of inmates to and from courts, and five bulletproof guard booths at the headquarters of the Nigeria Correctional Service NCoS in Abuja.
The minister also explained the idea behind the establishment of a paramilitary academy, saying paramilitary jobs are not poverty alleviation schemes but lifelong careers that young Nigerians should aspire to get.
He said; “In terms of relocation of our Correctional Centres, the President has graciously approved for us to start the process of relocating about 29 or so, of our Correctional Centres. We have started and we are going to finish it.
“I have also insisted that paramilitary jobs are not poverty alleviation schemes. This so why the president has graciously approved the paramilitary academy just the way we have the police academy and the Nigeria Defence Academy NDA. The goal is to catch them young. The academy is a degree-awarding institution”.
Tunji-Ojo noted that some places custodial facilities are facing the gate of the state Government House, sites within a GRA or sharing fence with markets and private residences.
Earlier, Acting Controller General of Corrections CGC, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche said the 39 operational vehicles were specifically procured for the safe and efficient transportation of inmates to and from courts.
“These vehicles will be distributed strategically across our commands, based on identified operational needs and pressing demands.
“It should be noted that these Bullet Resistant Guard-Booths are indigenously built by EPAIL, a Company based in Lagos.
“The acquisition of these vehicles directly responds to the evolving challenges faced by the NCoS, particularly in ensuring the timely production of inmates in courts. As clearly outlined in the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, one of our core functions is the ‘conveyance of remand persons to and from courts in motorised formations’. These new additions to our fleet will significantly bolster our capacity to meet this critical aspect of our mandate”, he stated.
He said beyond enhancing inmates’ court attendance, the vehicles play a vital role in addressing the longstanding issue of Awaiting Trial Persons (ATP) in custody.
“As of Monday 17th, February, 2025 our total inmate population stood at 80,066. Out of this number, 53,225 representing 66% are pretrial inmates while only 34% or 26,841 inmates are convicted inmates serving various times. These large army of ATPs require regular attendance to courts”, he further said.
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