By Francis Wilfred
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the recommendations of the Investigative Panel on Alleged Corruption and Other Violations against the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), assuring Nigerians that the report will serve as a blueprint for comprehensive reforms across the nation’s correctional facilities.
Speaking while receiving the panel’s report in Abuja, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the findings would not be shelved but would form the foundation of a renewed correctional system.“This report will form the basis of a transformed correctional system. We will aggressively pursue implementation, establish a robust monitoring and evaluation framework, and ensure independent oversight to guarantee accountability and measurable results,” he said.
Tunji-Ojo commended the panel for its diligence and professionalism, describing the report as the outcome of extensive consultations and rigorous assessment of correctional facilities nationwide.
The minister disclosed that Nigeria’s custodial centres currently hold about 80,732 inmates against a capacity of 68,496, adding that new facilities capable of accommodating an additional 33,000 inmates are under construction in locations including Abuja and Kano to address overcrowding.
He also highlighted improvements in rehabilitation efforts, noting that the number of repeat offenders dropped from 11,616 in 2023 to 1,392 in 2025. According to him, thousands of inmates are enrolled in educational and vocational programmes, while 1,227 persons have benefited from non-custodial measures such as probation, community service and restorative justice.
Presenting the report, panel chairman Dr. Magdalene Ajani expressed confidence that its recommendations would strengthen ongoing reforms. NCoS Comptroller-General Sylvester Nwakuche pledged the Service’s full cooperation in implementing the recommendations and advancing rehabilitation, accountability and public safety.
