The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and institutional reform within the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The pledge was made during the formal presentation of the report of the Independent Investigative Panel on alleged misconduct within the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The report was unveiled during a high-level stakeholders’ engagement convened by the Ministry of Interior, bringing together representatives from government institutions, the justice sector, security agencies, civil society organisations, and development partners to review the panel’s findings and chart a path for reforms.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the decision to establish the panel reflected the government’s determination to undertake a comprehensive and honest assessment of challenges within the correctional system.
According to him, the panel, which was inaugurated on November 24, 2024, completed its assignment after 16 months of investigations, consultations with stakeholders, and detailed analysis.
“The work of this panel represents a significant step toward strengthening transparency, accountability, and institutional integrity within our correctional system.
“We chose to confront the problem directly because we believe that every challenge presents an opportunity for lasting reform,” Tunji-Ojo said.
The investigation was initiated following allegations of corruption, abuse of authority, and human rights violations in some correctional facilities.
The minister noted that the findings highlighted the need to realign the operations of the service with principles of justice, professionalism, and respect for human dignity.
He stressed that correctional facilities must evolve beyond their traditional custodial roles to become centres of reformation, rehabilitation, reintegration, and societal transformation.
Tunji-Ojo added that the findings of the panel would guide comprehensive reforms aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and addressing systemic gaps, particularly in staff welfare and service delivery.
He also urged stakeholders to support the reform process, noting that sustainable change within the correctional system requires collective commitment to the rule of law and the protection of human dignity.
In his remarks, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, commended the interior minister for initiating the investigative process and demonstrating leadership in confronting challenges within key justice institutions.
Fagbemi described the exercise as a significant milestone in strengthening accountability and restoring public confidence in the justice system.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting human rights through stronger institutional frameworks, including the role of the National Human Rights Commission and oversight mechanisms such as the National Preventive Mechanism.
The Attorney-General also noted that the enactment of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, represented a critical shift from a purely punitive prison structure to a modern correctional system focused on rehabilitation, reintegration, and respect for human dignity.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior and Chairperson of the Investigative Panel, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, described the engagement as an important platform for dialogue, reflection, and collective ownership of the reform process.
She said the initiative reflected the Federal Government’s commitment to transparency and institutional reform in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that the panel’s work was guided by fairness, independence, and dedication to the public interest.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Director-General of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Aliyu Bagudu Abubakar; a representative of the Conference of Speakers, Mr. Busari Sarafadeen; the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN; and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), represented by Mona Aika.
They collectively stressed that the panel’s report should serve as a catalyst for decisive action aimed at building a correctional system that is humane, transparent, and aligned with both national priorities and international human rights standards.
Participants also highlighted several systemic challenges facing the correctional system, including overcrowding, prolonged pre-trial detention, and gaps in the implementation of existing legal frameworks.
Stakeholders reached a broad consensus on the need for sustained and collaborative reforms across institutions, with key recommendations focusing on the expansion of non-custodial measures, improved access to justice, stronger oversight mechanisms, protection of vulnerable groups such as children, and improved welfare and working conditions for correctional personnel.
The minister formally declared the engagement open, urging stakeholders to approach the reform process with sincerity, objectivity, and a shared commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s correctional system.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
